Latest news with #Sadiq
Time Out
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
‘Grenfell: Uncovered' interview: ‘This community lost so much and got so little back'
The biggest residential fire since the Blitz broke out in Grenfell tower on June 14, 2017. Few Londoners can have shaken off the memory of the North Kensington high-rise blazing through the night as firefighters worked desperately – and fruitlessly – to subdue it. 'I was on holiday in Thailand at the time,' remembers Grenfell: Uncovered director Olaide Sadiq. 'The news [chyron] had 'fire in London' on it, but I didn't think it was real. I didn't understand how it was even possible that this had happened.' When she got back to the UK, the filmmaker discovered that she knew one of the victims of the fire – 'Her face was popping up in group chats as missing' – which added a personal dimension to the disaster. Eight years on, her documentary about the fire is both poignant and enraging. None of the responsible parties is let off the hook – cladding manufacturers like Arconic, bureaucrats like Hammersmith and Fulham Council, and politicians alike – but the deeper story is one of resilience and misplaced trust. 'This was the biggest residential fire in Britain since the Blitz,' says Sadiq. 'You expect this kind of devastation at war, but you don't expect it in the middle of the night when people are sleeping.' You speak to a lot of traumatised people in the film. How did you approach those interviews? With respect and care. A lot of the Grenfell community have been poked and prodded for a long time, and there's a lot of trauma in everyone that's been affected by the story. We had to make it as safe a space as possible. The interviews were still the hardest I've ever done. You interrogate the companies behind the cladding products. How challenging was that aspect of the film? Yeah, the corporate side of things was complicated and eye-opening. A lot of people didn't want to speak to us, and understandably so, but everyone was given an opportunity to respond. But I'm very aware there's an ongoing criminal investigation, so I wasn't expecting anyone to welcome us with open arms. Are you concerned that a fire like this could happen again? Yeah, I think I am. We've had cladding fires since Grenfell: there was a fatal cladding fire in Valencia last year, and another one in Dagenham, where luckily there were no fatalities. I have to think that it's possible that it will happen again. Hopefully, the response will be different. The Prime Minister at the time, Theresa May, famously failed to meet Grenfell survivors. How did you get her to talk in the film? The decision to talk to us was quick; the decision to be on camera was slower. Regardless of people's political affiliations and opinions, I think it was quite brave [of her]. She wanted to own what she did and didn't do. She was happy to own that on camera, and we gave her the opportunity to do that. I respected that. What does this story say about the country that we live in? Great question. That we place a lot of trust in those that are meant to look after us. It showed me that this country is sometimes hesitant to change, but hopefully this film will spark real conversations about change. It's what the people affected by Grenfell want. Accountability, as well. You must have had two audiences in mind: the Grenfell survivors groups and those who were less familiar with the story? The story is not finished for [the Grenfell groups]. They are still waiting for what the Met Police decides to do. They're hoping [the film] brings more awareness to their story. We want it to ignite real conversation about what happened and what people want to happen next. There's still a lot of buildings with flammable cladding on them. What did you learn about Londoners making this film? I felt a sense of closeness within the community, but a sadness to it. I've always felt relatively safe living in London. What working on this showed me is that there's times it isn't safe – but in a way that you're not expecting. If you go down a dark alley in the middle of the night, you might expect something bad to happen to you, but they went to bed and woke up in the middle of night with their building on fire. That's the biggest violation of safety most people could experience. What binds the survivors together? Resilience. We spoke to very young people, we spoke to grandparents, and across the board there was a sense of resilience that I was astounded by. I was breaking down just reading the witness statements – it was harrowing. I couldn't imagine how people could get up and go after that. There was such resilience and strength in the community that lost so much and got so little back. The community lost so much and got so little back How do you cope with watching this harrowing footage, day after day? It was very difficult. It was really hard to watch some of the footage – some of it was too harrowing to use. I went for walks and listened to cheesy music, but there were people there to support us as well. I had to make sure I wasn't always sitting with the images.
Time Out
11 hours ago
- Time Out
Grenfell: Uncovered
There's a protocol you can count on to follow a public disaster in this country. It tends to begin with a years' long and expensive inquiry, and end with little change and none of the responsible parties being held to account. Some, if they're lucky, may even find themselves elevated to the House of Lords. That establishment playbook is in operation again in this poignant, winding and righteously angry documentary about the Grenfell tower fire – just as it was in ITV's Mr Bates vs The Post Office or Disney+'s 7/7 drama Suspect. Directed with forensic skill and lots of compassion by first-timer Olaide Sadiq, Grenfell: Uncovered holds the survivors of the fire in one hand, honouring their anger and grief in moving interviews, while using the other to slap down the many companies and governmental bodies whose decisions led to the loss of 72 lives on the night of June 14, 2017. The title, of course, has a poignant double meaning. The aluminium cladding applied to the residential tower block for aesthetic reasons – supposedly to satisfy Grenfell's well-heeled neighbours in the borough of Kensington and Chelsea – turned a small kitchen fire into a building-wide inferno, transforming the Fire Brigade's 'stay put' policy into a death sentence for residents. This is a poignant, winding and righteously angry documentary Sadiq pieces the night of the fire back together using audio from the emergency services, news footage, and the shakycam videos of locals. The shock and dawning horror of disembodied voices as the blaze takes hold stays with you. The list of guilty parties is long – from David Cameron's deregulation craze, to the deeply cynical cladding manufacturers, to the cost and corner-cutting of local government, and beyond – and even on that roll of dishonour ex-housing minister Eric Pickles (now Lord Pickles) is especially odious: telling the Grenfell inquiry not to 'waste his time' and confusing the death toll with Hillsborough. Campaigning housing journalist Peter Apps, heartbroken firefighter David Badillo, and a host of Grenfell residents, including teenage survivor Luana Gomes, bring humanity and heart to the story. There's so much in Grenfell: Uncovered about the state of modern Britain that Sadiq does brilliantly not to get sidetracked. About how working-class communities are talked down to and ignored. About how capitalism pursues profit even at the expense of endangering lives. About how the urgent need for change is stymied and sapped by the very review process designed to expedite it.
Business Recorder
20 hours ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
NA Speaker, Fazl discuss federal budget
ISLAMABAD: National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) Chief Maulan Fazlur Rehman discussed Federal Budget 2025-26 and agreed on the need to ensure budgetary allocations for the development of smaller provinces, economic stability, and public welfare projects. Speaker Sadiq met with JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazl in his chamber at the Parliament House on Thursday. During the meeting, a detailed discussion was held on the overall political situation of the country, the upcoming federal budget for the next fiscal year, and the emerging regional scenario in light of the Iran-Israel conflict. The meeting discussed Federal Budget 2025-26. Both leaders agreed on the need to ensure budgetary allocations for the development of smaller provinces, economic stability, and public welfare projects. The NA speaker noted that, for the first time in parliamentary history, parliamentary committees have been made more active in the budget proposal process so that constructive input from all stakeholders can be incorporated. Maulana Fazl expressed deep concern over the Iran-Israel war, stating that "in the current situation, the entire Muslim Ummah must demonstrate unity, solidarity, and foresight to ensure that efforts for peace in the region are not undermined." He emphasised that Pakistan should further intensify its diplomatic efforts to play a reconciliatory role within the Muslim world. On this occasion, Speaker Sadiq stated, "Pakistan has openly condemned Israeli aggression and reiterated its friendship and solidarity with Iran. We have effectively presented our stance regarding Palestine and Iran on all international forums, and the Parliament stands in complete support of this position." He stated that, all political parties must speak with one voice in the national interest to strengthen Pakistan's foreign policy on the global stage. Maulana Fazl congratulated Speaker Sadiq on performing Hajj and expressed best wishes for him. Governor of Balochistan Jaffar Khan Mandokhail was also present during the meeting. In conclusion, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to promoting democratic traditions, strengthening national unity, and continuing joint efforts for sustainable peace in the region. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Metro
2 days ago
- Business
- Metro
New car-free streets in London 'just the beginning' of summer business boost
Brixton and Shoreditch will get more open-air dining this summer as part of a bid to boost London's hospitality industry. New car-free streets in major hubs such as Leyton and the West End will be a reality this summer, thanks to cash from the Mayor of London's summer streets fund to introduce al fresco dining and later opening hours. Sir Sadiq Khan said he wants to see al fresco dining across London and that these schemes were 'just the beginning'. At St Martin's Lane in the West End, up to 34 businesses will get al fresco licenses, and the street will be car-free from 11 am to 11 pm. In Shoreditch, customers will be able to dine and drink outdoors at bars and restaurants in Rivington Street and Redchurch Street until midnight and have car-free Fridays and Saturdays. In Brixton, businesses on Atlantic Road and Brixton Station Road will get 80 extra tables and some 400 extra seats outdoors. The roads will be car-free until 10 pm on selected weekends. In Leyton, there will be extended car-free hours to boost street trading and create a cultural meeting point with seating, outdoor games and a new weekend street market. Hackney and Lambeth councils will get £100,000 each from the fund, while Waltham Forest and Westminster councils will get £50,000 each. Sir Sadiq is due to be granted new licensing powers to intervene and overturn decisions that block pubs and clubs trying to secure longer opening hours and offering outdoor seating. He said: 'The schemes announced today are just the beginning and we're looking to build on their success across London in the years ahead. 'London's food, drink and nightlife scenes are world-class, and I'm determined to do all I can to help them thrive. 'With new licensing powers granted by the Government being developed, I'm looking forward to doing even more – working with boroughs, businesses and the police to drive forward more initiatives like these.' Michael Kill, chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association, added: 'The launch of al fresco dining in key areas like Brixton, Shoreditch, Leyton and the West End marks the beginning of an important initiative that supports the recovery and long-term growth of London's nightlife and hospitality sector. 'Creating vibrant, accessible outdoor spaces for food, drink and culture is a powerful way to bring communities together and boost local economies. 'We see this as a strong foundation – and hope it will grow into a city-wide movement that helps reshape and revitalise London's nightlife for years to come.' In 2022, a law ensured Brits would be able to enjoy outdoor restaurants for years to come under a Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill. More Trending Placing tables and chairs on the streets offered a much-needed lifeline to businesses during the COVID-19 lockdowns. The 'pavement licences' were initially seen as a temporary measure as 10,000 restaurants, bars, and cafes closed, but the al fresco style remained popular after the pandemic. The news was called 'a huge step forward' for businesses that are still struggling to get back to normal months after the country fully opened. It was estimated each outdoor seat could be a boost of up to £6,000-a-year. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Woman, 69, stabbed to death with police hunting for attacker thought to have stolen Rolex MORE: The ultimate guide for travelling on the Tube in a heatwave MORE: I love living in London — but it sucks in the summer
BBC News
3 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Sir Sadiq Khan criticises Rachel Reeves over Spending Review
The mayor of London has criticised the chancellor of the exchequer's Spending Review, saying she made "a colossal mistake in pitting London against the rest of the country".Speaking to BBC London, Sir Sadiq Khan said "it is bad that this government is not supporting new infrastructure in London like the extension of the DLR".He said last week's Spending Review, when Chancellor Rachel Reeves set out the government's spending plans, "had some good, some bad and some ugly".But he praised the home secretary for "record" funding for London's police. The Treasury has been approached for comment. The Spending Review confirmed that Transport for London (TfL) was getting a cash injection of £2.2bn over four years, but no funds were allocated for the new transport infrastructure projects Sir Sadiq had been lobbying had previously said a Labour government working with a Labour mayor could mean London would get what it told BBC London on Tuesday of his mixed feelings about the chancellor's announcement last week. Sir Sadiq said: "The good stuff I welcome – after years of lobbying we have got a record-breaking deal for Transport for London. "We have got on average a more than doubling of the amount of money received from the government compared to the previous government."I welcome at long last a multi-year deal for City Hall and of course the record investment in the NHS."But he added that "I think it is bad that this government is not supporting new infrastructure in London like the extension of the DLR, which would help us not just create new jobs but build record numbers of homes."I think it is ugly this idea of pitting London against the rest of the country - I think our country succeeds when London does." On his plans for DLR and Bakerloo line extensions, the mayor added: "We are still going to try and lobby for these things - I am lobbying for these things - that doesn't take away from the fact I think the chancellor got it wrong last week. I think she has made a colossal mistake in pitting London against the rest of the country."The mayor's transport plans include a DLR extension to Thamesmead, the Bakerloo line extension to Lewisham and the West London Orbital between Hendon and Sadiq also warned there may be fewer police officers in London despite "a record settlement from the Home Office combined with investment from City Hall".He said: "My concern is because of 14 years of austerity we need huge sums to avoid further police officers, PCSOs, police staff and buildings being lost."
