The prime minister and the leader of the opposition will today join people across the country in marking the third anniversary of the Grenfell Tower tragedy.
A video message from Boris Johnson will be shown at a virtual service being hosted by the Bishop of Kensington this morning. This evening, Downing Street will be illuminated to commemorate those who lost their lives.
Several other landmarks, including the Palace of Westminster, Trafalgar Square fountains and Grenfell Tower have also been lit up this weekend, while digital screens at the site of the tower carry messages from local stakeholder groups.
“We can all remember where we were three years ago today when we saw this tragedy unfolding on our screens and across the London skyline,” Johnson recalls in his message.
“That night, 72 men, women and children were taken from us in the cruellest of circumstances. As a nation, we are still dealing with the consequences of what happened and working to make sure it never happens again.”
Sir Keir Starmer used his video message to pay tribute to members of the Grenfell Tower community for the “strength and determination” they have shown in their campaign for justice.
He pledged to do “everything in my power” to prevent such a tragedy occurring again.
Labour claims that 56,000 people are still living in homes wrapped in the same flammable cladding as Grenfell.
“In the midst of their suffering, the Grenfell community came together to campaign for justice, safe homes and change,” Starmer said. “But three years on and, unbelievably, tonight people will go to bed in unsafe homes.”
