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New Statesman
3 days ago
- Politics
- New Statesman
Keir Starmer's grooming gang cowardice
Photo by Lauren Hurley / No 10 Downing Street A prime minister who only acts when forced to do so by others inspires neither confidence nor respect. But this is something we have seen repeatedly with Keir Starmer and this Labour government. The latest – and arguably most egregious – example is the U-turn on holding a full national inquiry into grooming gangs. In January, Starmer accused politicians calling for such an inquiry of jumping on the 'bandwagon of the far right'. Robust debate, he said, 'can only be based on the true facts'. But the facts today are as they were six months ago; as they have been for years. Thousands of vulnerable girls have been groomed and raped by groups of men, disproportionately of Pakistani heritage. We knew from Alexis Jay's report in 2014 – 11 years ago – that 1,400 children were sexually exploited in Rotherham alone between 1997 and 2013. And that was a 'conservative estimate'. Stories first appeared in the media in 2007, by Julie Bindel in the Sunday Times Magazine. The late Andrew Norfolk of the Times published hundreds of articles from 2011 on child rapes perpetrated across England. Some of those closest to the Prime Minister privately warned him last year in stark, emotional terms about the scale of the collective failure to protect the most vulnerable girls; that some of the responsibility lay with Labour-run or Labour-dominated local authorities – in Rotherham, Rochdale and elsewhere; that this was one of the most shameful episodes of British history. And yet. As Louise Casey points out in her National Audit on Group-Based Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, released on 16 June, 'we are talking about multiple sexual assaults committed against children by multiple men on multiple occasions; beatings and gang rapes'. Earlier this month, survivors of the abuse spoke to BBC Newsnight. Kate (not her real name) was raped 'almost daily' by 'multiple men a day'. Fiona was plied with drugs and violently raped from the age of 14, shortly after she was taken into care. Chantelle was also in the care system when she was first abused and drugged at 11 years old. The perpetrators of these crimes were all gangs of British Asian men. That Starmer had to ask troubleshooter-in-chief Casey to decide whether a national inquiry was needed is cowardice. For the Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, to declare on the day Casey's report was published that the systematic rape of girls marked 'a stain on our society and a failure of those who were meant to protect them' – only after someone else gave the government permission to say so – was pure chutzpah. Even when confirming his change of heart, the Prime Minister made no compelling case of his own for why these crimes needed proper examination. Rather, Casey had 'come to the view there should be a national inquiry' and he would 'accept her recommendation'. But this shameful U-turn is part of a wider pattern of this government effectively subcontracting out difficult decisions to others. It looks weak, directionless and lacking in conviction as a result. Subscribe to The New Statesman today from only £8.99 per month Subscribe Having refused to take a consistent position on the clash between women's rights and the rights of trans people, it was left to the Supreme Court to rule that 'sex' in the Equality Act meant 'biological sex'. The official Labour line had been that no clarification was needed, even when the case was scheduled to be heard. Senior party figures saw the issue as a 'distraction'. The best Starmer could muster in response to the judgement was to say he was pleased it had brought 'clarity'. But what about the issue, Prime Minister? Where do you stand? Do you support the judgement, or does it prompt a rethink in the law? If Starmer and senior cabinet ministers think the ruling was wrong, they should say so. Stop hiding behind process. Lead. Into this mix of inaction, we can throw in the decision to return the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. Had the government not done so, the Defence Secretary, John Healey, said, 'Within weeks, [it] could face losing legal rulings.' Framing it this way – in effect, 'the courts made us' – hardly screams political conviction. It's the same on Palestinian statehood. Recognition of a Palestinian state is a manifesto pledge, but according to Sky News's Sam Coates, 'the UK will only recognise a Palestinian state once other countries also do so'. And then there's the cut to pensioners' winter fuel allowance: despite insisting it was the right thing to do – for 11 months – Chancellor Rachel Reeves later bowed to public pressure to reverse it. Politicians must be allowed to change their minds. Admitting you were wrong, being open-minded and receptive to new evidence are signs of strength. But that is not what's happening with this Prime Minister and his government. Time after time, they seem unable to make a positive argument for either action or inaction. Each Labour government since the war has made a strong moral case for its reforms. Attlee and Bevan with the NHS. Wilson and Jenkins on decriminalising homosexuality. Blair and Brown on international development and child poverty. When will this government do the same? The danger is that into the void come others – Reform especially – who seem more 'authentic', better in touch with what many Britons think and feel. With a big majority, Labour can afford to be bold and principled. To govern is to choose. But those choices should be choices of direction and policy – not of who to ask to make those decisions for you. [See more: Is Trump the last neoconservative?] Related
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
National grooming gang probe ‘must be extended to Scotland'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE national criminal investigation into grooming gangs must be extended to Scotland to avoid a 'missed opportunity', the peer in charge of a damning report into the scandal has said. Baroness Casey's report found victims were failed by cops and officials who were in 'denial' about the rape and abuse of white girls by disproportionately Asian men and called for a major UK-wide criminal probe into the issue. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Baroness Casey's damning report laid bare how the State was in 'denial' over the rape and abuse of white girls. Credit: PA 3 A national inquiry into grooming gangs has been announced Credit: Getty Asked whether Scotland should be part of it, she said: 'I would be disappointed if the opportunity of the national criminal investigation [was missed]. 'I can move from Scotland to England pretty easily and criminals do, so that would be a missed opportunity.' Sir Keir Starmer bowed to pressure at the weekend and ordered a national inquiry into mass child sex abuse ahead of the publication of Baroness Casey's review. Her devastating report on Monday laid bare how the State was in 'denial' over the rape and abuse of white girls. Dame Louise Casey found perpetrators — disproportionately involving Asian men, many of Pakistani heritage — got away with it because of fears about inflaming community tensions. And the Scottish Tories demanded the public inquiry into the scandal must also be expanded to cover Scotland. Shadow Scottish Secretary Andrew Bowie yesterday/today said: 'Now that the Labour Government has finally bowed to the huge public demand for a national inquiry into the grooming gangs scandal it is essential that it is truly national in scope. 'That means extending the remit to include Scotland, where there have been well-documented cases of gangs responsible for the rape and sexual abuse of young women.' The MP called on Home Secretary Yvette Cooper to work with Nats chiefs on what is covered by the inquiry to all the 'voices of Scottish victims of these vile gangs' to be heard. Mr Bowie added: 'We already know that vulnerable young women were appallingly let down by Labour-run councils, where it appears that partisan political considerations led to the cover-up of the issue. Ethnicity of child sex abuse suspects will be logged after truth about Asian grooming gangs was 'dodged for YEARS' 'It's essential to uncover if sensitivities over the racial make-up of the perpetrators was a factor in the Scottish cases too.' In 2020, it was revealed cops kept secret a huge asylum seeker grooming gang in Glasgow which had at least 44 victims. All the perpetrators were asylum seekers from the Kurdish, Afghani, Egyptian, Moroccan, Turkish, Pakistani or Iraqi communities. Speaking in Westminster, Baroness Casey said it was a 'matter for Scotland to decide' whether to take part. She added: 'Criminals move to wherever they can get their prey. And with the internet, they do that even quicker and easier. I mean, it's an issue internationally, not just between the devolved nations. 'I think it is really important that across certainly Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England, there's some join up around these sorts of issues.' Baroness Casey also urged Scots not to think grooming gangs could not be taking place in Scotland. She said: 'Don't just read this report and think it may not happen to you.' The Home Office was contacted for comment.
The National
4 days ago
- Politics
- The National
Scottish Tories join Labour MP in call for Scottish grooming inquiry
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced an official probe into group-based child exploitation on Monday after the UK Government rejected calls for this earlier this year. Now the Scottish Tories have written to Cooper warning that 'victims of grooming gangs in Scotland must not and cannot be overlooked'. It comes after Scottish Labour MP Joani Reid also called for John Swinney to launch a grooming inquiry. Shadow Scottish Secretary Andrew Bowie said: "Now that the Labour Government has finally bowed to the huge public demand for a national inquiry into the grooming gangs scandal it is essential that it is truly national in scope. READ MORE: Scottish Government names date for ditching two-child cap 'That means extending the remit to include Scotland, where there have been well-documented cases of gangs responsible for the rape and sexual abuse of young women. 'The Home Secretary must work with the Scottish Government to agree the scope of the inquiry because it's imperative that the voices of Scottish victims of these vile gangs are heard and appropriate lessons learned for the future. 'We already know that vulnerable young women were appallingly let down by Labour-run councils, where it appears that partisan political considerations led to the cover-up of the issue." Reid said there was "less understanding about the scale of this problem in Scotland" and this was "unacceptable". 'If the Scottish Government does not intend to hold its own dedicated inquiry, we need clear reasons why – not the vague responses we've had so far. This issue is too serious and urgent to leave unanswered," she said. The UK Government rejected calls for a public inquiry earlier this year and instead said it was focusing on putting in place the recommendations already made in a seven-year national inquiry by Professor Alexis Jay. But the Prime Minister announced on Saturday a full probe would be held after a review by Baroness Louise Casey. READ MORE: Cuts to PIP will plunge families further into poverty, research says The review found suspects were often 'disproportionately likely' to be Asian men. Speaking to journalists on Monday, First Minister Swinney said: 'The Prime Minister has obviously taken his own decision on grooming gangs. 'We established some years ago the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry, which has got extensive scope and ability to explore many or all of these issues. "I would give every consideration to an issue of this type if I felt it was necessary to be undertaken and obviously we will do that in the fullness of time.' A Scottish Government spokesperson said: 'Child sexual abuse and exploitation has a devastating impact, which is why we are taking action to ensure that children are protected from harm. 'The independent Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry is undertaking an extensive review of child protection policy and practice in Scotland and will report with recommendations for further development in due course. We have also established a national multi-agency Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Strategic Group, of which Professor Alexis Jay is a member, to consider all UK and Scottish work and make recommendations to Ministers accordingly. 'In Scotland, all healthcare and education professionals already have a duty to report child abuse. The case for introducing mandatory reporting more widely remains under active consideration, and we are continuing to engage closely with key partners, including Police Scotland, Social Work Scotland and Child Protection Committees Scotland, on this important issue.'
The Irish Sun
7 days ago
- General
- The Irish Sun
Our tower block is covered in flammable cladding EIGHT YEARS after Grenfell – the council is gambling with our lives
RESIDENTS living in eight London tower blocks - once branded 'unsafe' by Sir Keir Starmer - have accused their Labour-run council of ignoring life-threatening fire risks. Eight years on from 14 Resident Richard Partridge holding up a cut-out section of the external Polystyrene cladding Credit: Andrew Styczynski 14 All eight tower blocks were given a 'high fire risk' rating in a report three years ago Credit: Andrew Styczynski 14 Residents have accused Greenwich Council of "ignoring" the life threatening risks Credit: Andrew Styczynski After five years, developers are finally set to replace external cladding this month, but leaseholders have warned that internal fire safety issues are still being ignored - putting their lives in danger. Pointing to the Grenfell tragedy, which claimed the lives of 72 people, RAQ Residents Association chair Stephen Day slammed councillors for 'abandoning' him and his neighbours. Speaking to The Sun, he fumed: "The inquiry said that concerns from residents regarding building safety were completely quashed and rubbished. "It essentially said that, going forwards, residents need to be listened to whether you agree with them or not. Read more News "Greenwich Council is failing. It should be listening to its residents and that is just not happening. "It is belittling this campaign that we have fought so hard for over the past five years. "We just want to try and get these buildings safe." The current project to remedy the external cladding was only agreed after a damning 2022 report from engineering firm Urban Change. Most read in The Sun All eight buildings were deemed a "high fire risk", with the investigation pointing to "poor workmanship" in the installation of the external wall insulation (EWI). It found that some fire break fittings were missing, they were made of plastic instead of steel and the expanded polystyrene (EPS) render was not thick enough. Government 'failed', 'dishonest' firms & 'indifferent' landlords – damning report into Grenfell tragedy which killed 72 Works to replace 90% of the building facade were approved by the independent building safety regulator and will be undertaken by developers Barratt, who originally built the RAQ complex in 2002. But residents argue there are major internal defects in the tower blocks that will remain untouched, sparking huge concerns. They pointed to a fire stopping survey completed by officials in 2019, commissioned by RAQ property manager Rendall & Rittner. Greenwich Council is failing. It should be listening to its residents and that is just not happening. It is belittling this campaign that we have fought so hard for over the past five years. We just want to try and get these buildings safe. Stephen Day RAQ Residents Association chair The purpose of the inspection was to test whether internal areas and rooms had sufficient structural integrity to prevent fires spreading from one part of the building to another. It revealed that three out of the eight tower blocks did not meet the minimum statutory safety requirements. As a result, the inspectors reported that any fire at the properties could result in "significant loss" and potentially lead to prosecution of the responsible person(s). The cost to replace similar issues discovered at the London Olympic Village is rumoured to be £432million. Another worry for the leaseholders is that the single stair fire escape - the only route out in the event of a fire - is surrounded by "highly combustible" grey panels on each floor. 14 Works to replace external cladding in the complex will begin this month Credit: Andrew Styczynski 14 Stephen Day, chair of RAQ committee Credit: Andrew Styczynski The Urban Change report argued that the aluminium corner panels in the stairwell should only be replaced on the first two storeys This is despite the insulation used in these panels having a Euroclass E rating - one of the highest levels of combustibility according to the fire class system. The buildings garnered national attention in 2021 when Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer stood outside the towers and described the situation as 'obviously wrong'. Speaking outside the tower blocks, he said: 'We need a task force to put some energy behind this. How Grenfell tower disaster unfolded By Summer Raemason THE Grenfell Tower fire which killed 72 people was the result of "decades of failure", The west London tower block was covered in combustible products because of the "systematic dishonesty" of firms who made and sold the Sir Martin Moore-Bick called out "deliberate and sustained" manipulation of fire-safety testing, misrepresentation of test data and misleading of the market. Prime Minister The seven-volume and near-1,700 page final report of the inquiry into the disaster laid out in damning detail how those in positions of responsibility had not heeded or acted on warnings from earlier fires. 'At the moment almost everybody is saying it's a bad situation, but it's not really my responsibility. 'The result is that innocent leaseholders here, who are living in accommodation which is unsafe, are being asked to pick up the bill. 'That is obviously wrong and if it is obviously wrong, do something about it. 'Three and a half years after Grenfell, this is not on. Most people would not believe this is the situation we're in. 'We owe it to all those affected to do something about it.' 14 Mr Day highlighted the 'highly combustible' panels Credit: Andrew Styczynski 14 The only fire escape stairwell is coated in the grey panels Credit: Andrew Styczynski 14 Residents claim that work to fix internal issues is not going ahead because the council refuses to support them Credit: Andrew Styczynski Locals allege that plans to fix the internal defects are not going ahead because Greenwich Council refuses to support their claims that regulations were breached at the time of construction. In an email seen by The Sun, initial plans appeared to show a fire door between the tower entrance and the lift lobby. But when our reporters were taken for a tour of the property, it was clear that no such door had ever existed. Ongoing battle Catherine Dugué, who has lived in Tideslea Tower for more than two decades, fumed: 'It never occurred to me that our local council would not support us, but rather fight against us. 'With the murderous tragedy of Grenfell Tower, and the shock that our homes too have unsafe cladding, I fully expected that the council would support and help us. 'We need Greenwich Council to support us and the internal defects need to be fully remediated. 'The council needs to retract its report that there was no evidence of building regulation breaches at the time of construction. "I was there. I know the staircase was not enclosed.' In a letter to all residents, Greenwich Council said: "The Council was asked if it could exercise power under the Building Act 1984 to ensure that necessary remediation works were carried out. "The Council's position is that there is no evidence to support action under the act. "This is not to say that there are no issues with the construction of RAQ; indeed, everyone agrees remediation works are necessary. 14 Smoke hindered rescue efforts as fires continued to burn with families trapped throughout the building Credit: Getty Images 14 The west London tower block was covered in combustible products 14 Fire ripped through Grenfell Tower in Kensington, West London, on June 14, 2017 Credit: Rex Features "That position does not undermine the role of the BSR or the fact that remediation works have now been agreed. "Building safety laws have changed since the original construction, and our focus is on moving forward to ensure the works agreed are completed within the timescale." Mast Quay, another development less than two miles away, was ordered to be torn down in 2023 and rebuilt after Greenwich Council said its towers were too different from approved plans. Developer Comer Homes Group breached 26 planning conditions and allowed renters to move in, despite warnings to keep the flats empty while an investigation was ongoing. And now residents have questioned why those towers were ordered to be demolished, while no similar action has been taken against the builders of RAQ. It comes after an announcement last year that the RAQ developers would join a £150m Government-led venture to build thousands of homes across the country. The partnership brings together Barratt, the UK's leading housebuilder and Homes England, the Government body responsible for housebuilding. A Barratt Redrow spokesperson said: 'We are fully committed to remediating any fire safety issues identified in the original construction of these buildings. "This is at no cost to leaseholders, in line with the Developer Remediation Contract we signed in 2023, and we look forward to starting work later this month, subject to all relevant permissions being in place.' Council response A spokesperson for the Royal Borough of Greenwich said: 'On the anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire, our thoughts as always are with the communities impacted by the disaster. We stand in solidarity with the Grenfell community. 'Royal Artillery Quays is a private residential development built by Barratt Homes. "Although it does not have the same cladding as Grenfell Tower, we share the same concerns as residents about fire safety and the uncertainty they have faced due to the delay in cladding being replaced. "The Government's Building Safety Regulator (BSR) was set up in response to Grenfell disaster to ensure that there was a single regulator and that the buildings it is responsible for, including Royal Artillery Quays, meet the highest and most recent safety standards. "Everyone in Royal Greenwich should have a safe and secure home and we welcome the fact that action is now happening: the BSR has now approved Barratt's remediation plans and work will take place later this month." Do you know more? Email 14 Three out of the eight tower blocks did not meet minimum safety requirements Credit: Andrew Styczynski 14 RAQ developers have joined a £150m Government-led venture to build thousands of homes across the country Credit: Andrew Styczynski 14 Locals have pointed to a missing fire door as evidence of failings during construction Credit: Andrew Styczynski
Scottish Sun
7 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Our tower block is covered in flammable cladding EIGHT YEARS after Grenfell – the council is gambling with our lives
All eight buildings were deemed a high fire risk, with an investigation pointing to "poor workmanship" 'WE'VE WARNED THEM' Our tower block is covered in flammable cladding EIGHT YEARS after Grenfell – the council is gambling with our lives RESIDENTS living in eight London tower blocks - once branded 'unsafe' by Sir Keir Starmer - have accused their Labour-run council of ignoring life-threatening fire risks. Eight years on from the Grenfell Tower tragedy, locals of Royal Artillery Quays (RAQ) in Thamesmead, east London, say that Greenwich Council is 'allowing history to repeat itself'. Advertisement 14 Resident Richard Partridge holding up a cut-out section of the external Polystyrene cladding Credit: Andrew Styczynski 14 All eight tower blocks were given a 'high fire risk' rating in a report three years ago Credit: Andrew Styczynski 14 Residents have accused Greenwich Council of "ignoring" the life threatening risks Credit: Andrew Styczynski After five years, developers are finally set to replace external cladding this month, but leaseholders have warned that internal fire safety issues are still being ignored - putting their lives in danger. Pointing to the Grenfell tragedy, which claimed the lives of 72 people, RAQ Residents Association chair Stephen Day slammed councillors for 'abandoning' him and his neighbours. Speaking to The Sun, he fumed: "The inquiry said that concerns from residents regarding building safety were completely quashed and rubbished. "It essentially said that, going forwards, residents need to be listened to whether you agree with them or not. Advertisement "Greenwich Council is failing. It should be listening to its residents and that is just not happening. "It is belittling this campaign that we have fought so hard for over the past five years. "We just want to try and get these buildings safe." The current project to remedy the external cladding was only agreed after a damning 2022 report from engineering firm Urban Change. Advertisement All eight buildings were deemed a "high fire risk", with the investigation pointing to "poor workmanship" in the installation of the external wall insulation (EWI). It found that some fire break fittings were missing, they were made of plastic instead of steel and the expanded polystyrene (EPS) render was not thick enough. Government 'failed', 'dishonest' firms & 'indifferent' landlords – damning report into Grenfell tragedy which killed 72 Works to replace 90% of the building facade were approved by the independent building safety regulator and will be undertaken by developers Barratt, who originally built the RAQ complex in 2002. But residents argue there are major internal defects in the tower blocks that will remain untouched, sparking huge concerns. Advertisement They pointed to a fire stopping survey completed by officials in 2019, commissioned by RAQ property manager Rendall & Rittner. Greenwich Council is failing. It should be listening to its residents and that is just not happening. It is belittling this campaign that we have fought so hard for over the past five years. We just want to try and get these buildings safe. Stephen Day The purpose of the inspection was to test whether internal areas and rooms had sufficient structural integrity to prevent fires spreading from one part of the building to another. It revealed that three out of the eight tower blocks did not meet the minimum statutory safety requirements. As a result, the inspectors reported that any fire at the properties could result in "significant loss" and potentially lead to prosecution of the responsible person(s). Advertisement The cost to replace similar issues discovered at the London Olympic Village is rumoured to be £432million. Another worry for the leaseholders is that the single stair fire escape - the only route out in the event of a fire - is surrounded by "highly combustible" grey panels on each floor. 14 Works to replace external cladding in the complex will begin this month Credit: Andrew Styczynski 14 Stephen Day, chair of RAQ committee Credit: Andrew Styczynski Advertisement The Urban Change report argued that the aluminium corner panels in the stairwell should only be replaced on the first two storeys This is despite the insulation used in these panels having a Euroclass E rating - one of the highest levels of combustibility according to the fire class system. The buildings garnered national attention in 2021 when Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer stood outside the towers and described the situation as 'obviously wrong'. Speaking outside the tower blocks, he said: 'We need a task force to put some energy behind this. Advertisement How Grenfell tower disaster unfolded By Summer Raemason THE Grenfell Tower fire which killed 72 people was the result of "decades of failure", a long-awaited report into the blaze has found last year. The west London tower block was covered in combustible products because of the "systematic dishonesty" of firms who made and sold the cladding and insulation, the inquiry chairman said. Sir Martin Moore-Bick called out "deliberate and sustained" manipulation of fire-safety testing, misrepresentation of test data and misleading of the market. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the report identified "substantial and widespread failings", adding that the Government will carefully consider its recommendations "to ensure that such a tragedy cannot occur again". The seven-volume and near-1,700 page final report of the inquiry into the disaster laid out in damning detail how those in positions of responsibility had not heeded or acted on warnings from earlier fires. 'At the moment almost everybody is saying it's a bad situation, but it's not really my responsibility. 'The result is that innocent leaseholders here, who are living in accommodation which is unsafe, are being asked to pick up the bill. 'That is obviously wrong and if it is obviously wrong, do something about it. 'Three and a half years after Grenfell, this is not on. Most people would not believe this is the situation we're in. Advertisement 'We owe it to all those affected to do something about it.' 14 Mr Day highlighted the 'highly combustible' panels Credit: Andrew Styczynski 14 The only fire escape stairwell is coated in the grey panels Credit: Andrew Styczynski 14 Residents claim that work to fix internal issues is not going ahead because the council refuses to support them Credit: Andrew Styczynski Advertisement Locals allege that plans to fix the internal defects are not going ahead because Greenwich Council refuses to support their claims that regulations were breached at the time of construction. In an email seen by The Sun, initial plans appeared to show a fire door between the tower entrance and the lift lobby. But when our reporters were taken for a tour of the property, it was clear that no such door had ever existed. Ongoing battle Catherine Dugué, who has lived in Tideslea Tower for more than two decades, fumed: 'It never occurred to me that our local council would not support us, but rather fight against us. Advertisement 'With the murderous tragedy of Grenfell Tower, and the shock that our homes too have unsafe cladding, I fully expected that the council would support and help us. 'We need Greenwich Council to support us and the internal defects need to be fully remediated. 'The council needs to retract its report that there was no evidence of building regulation breaches at the time of construction. "I was there. I know the staircase was not enclosed.' Advertisement In a letter to all residents, Greenwich Council said: "The Council was asked if it could exercise power under the Building Act 1984 to ensure that necessary remediation works were carried out. "The Council's position is that there is no evidence to support action under the act. "This is not to say that there are no issues with the construction of RAQ; indeed, everyone agrees remediation works are necessary. 14 Smoke hindered rescue efforts as fires continued to burn with families trapped throughout the building Credit: Getty Images Advertisement 14 The west London tower block was covered in combustible products 14 Fire ripped through Grenfell Tower in Kensington, West London, on June 14, 2017 Credit: Rex Features "That position does not undermine the role of the BSR or the fact that remediation works have now been agreed. "Building safety laws have changed since the original construction, and our focus is on moving forward to ensure the works agreed are completed within the timescale." Advertisement Mast Quay, another development less than two miles away, was ordered to be torn down in 2023 and rebuilt after Greenwich Council said its towers were too different from approved plans. Developer Comer Homes Group breached 26 planning conditions and allowed renters to move in, despite warnings to keep the flats empty while an investigation was ongoing. And now residents have questioned why those towers were ordered to be demolished, while no similar action has been taken against the builders of RAQ. It comes after an announcement last year that the RAQ developers would join a £150m Government-led venture to build thousands of homes across the country. Advertisement The partnership brings together Barratt, the UK's leading housebuilder and Homes England, the Government body responsible for housebuilding. A Barratt Redrow spokesperson said: 'We are fully committed to remediating any fire safety issues identified in the original construction of these buildings. "This is at no cost to leaseholders, in line with the Developer Remediation Contract we signed in 2023, and we look forward to starting work later this month, subject to all relevant permissions being in place.' Council response A spokesperson for the Royal Borough of Greenwich said: 'On the anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire, our thoughts as always are with the communities impacted by the disaster. We stand in solidarity with the Grenfell community. Advertisement 'Royal Artillery Quays is a private residential development built by Barratt Homes. "Although it does not have the same cladding as Grenfell Tower, we share the same concerns as residents about fire safety and the uncertainty they have faced due to the delay in cladding being replaced. "The Government's Building Safety Regulator (BSR) was set up in response to Grenfell disaster to ensure that there was a single regulator and that the buildings it is responsible for, including Royal Artillery Quays, meet the highest and most recent safety standards. "Everyone in Royal Greenwich should have a safe and secure home and we welcome the fact that action is now happening: the BSR has now approved Barratt's remediation plans and work will take place later this month." Advertisement Do you know more? Email 14 Three out of the eight tower blocks did not meet minimum safety requirements Credit: Andrew Styczynski 14 RAQ developers have joined a £150m Government-led venture to build thousands of homes across the country Credit: Andrew Styczynski 14 Locals have pointed to a missing fire door as evidence of failings during construction Credit: Andrew Styczynski
