Janet Finch-Saunders is today paying tribute to the families of victims of the Grenfell fire five years on. In the blaze, 72 people lost their lives with a further 72 people suffering from injuries. The event sparked an investigation uncovering that the building's exterior did not comply with regulations and was the central reason why the fire spread so quickly. Since the event, numerous other tower blocks across the United Kingdom have been found to fail the same safety measures.
Providing a statement on the anniversary, Janet said:
“The Grenfell fire was an unimaginable tragedy that must never be allowed to happen again.
“Loss of life seen on that day is heart breaking, with the youngest victim being 6 months old. It is unimaginable the heartache and devastation caused to some families that will be felt for years to come.
“Events such as Grenfell show us how important it is to have a sense of community. In times of need, it’s the strength shown amongst people that helps us to realise the importance of life and the value we must place on it.
“Five years on I am angry that here in Wales I am still having to call on the Welsh Government to learn lessons and deliver improvements for residents trapped in their homes and living in fear daily.
“Last month, I spoke out again in the Welsh Parliament, this time challenging the First Minister on the fact that whilst the Rt Hon Michael Gove MP, has seen major home builders, accounting for half of new homes, pledged to fix all unsafe tall buildings that they have had a role in developing in England, here in Wales, residents are in despair that the Welsh Government have not yet done the same.
“I hope that on this anniversary that the Welsh Parliament can cooperate so to take a far stronger stance for residents with developers”
