Robert Halfon, MP for Harlow has broken a commitment to implement the Grenfell Inquiry recommendations, by voting against Labour’s amendment to the Fire Safety Bill.

Recommendations from Phase 1 of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry were published in October 2019, calling for action on building owners or managers to share information with local Fire and Rescue Service about the design, and the materials of the external walls, to undertake regular inspections of individual flat entrance doors and lifts, and share evacuation and fire safety instructions with residents of the building.

At the time, the Housing Secretary, James Brokenshire MP, promised to implement them “in full” and “without delay”. Yet the Conservatives have still failed to commit the recommendations to legislation.

On Monday 7 September, the Government voted down Labour’s amendment to the Fire Safety Bill, which would have implemented the recommendations.

Commenting, Mark Ingall said:

“This is a shameful U-turn from the Conservatives.  They have broken a solemn promise to take action following the Grenfell Inquiry.

 

“They continue to shirk responsibility on fire safety after the most powerful and tragic lesson imaginable. Despite words saying this must never happen again, tens of thousands of people are still living in buildings with flammable cladding.

 

“Labour will continue to press the Government to do the right thing, deliver on their promises and get the cladding ripped off urgently. There should be no backsliding on a commitment that a fire like Grenfell can never happen again.”