“I refuse to accept that it must come down, as there are still many unresolved issues—justice that the families deserve to see fulfilled.”
Nabil Choucair, who suffered the loss of six family members among the 72 victims of the Grenfell Tower disaster in June 2017, expressed this sentiment following remarks from Housing Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, who indicated that the government intends to take down the tower.
The announcement elicited a variety of reactions from survivors, bereaved families, and local residents living in proximity to the site.
Some individuals share Mr. Choucair’s views, while others believe the tower should remain as a haunting reminder of the tragedy. Conversely, some argue that its continued presence poses a safety threat.
In an interview with BBC News, Mr. Choucair noted: “Numerous families are distressed about the prospect of the tower’s demolition, and we hope it can stand longer, as many individuals still await accountability for their actions.”
He characterized the decision as hasty and said: “This is a highly sensitive issue that demands careful consideration.”
Damel Carayol, who attended the meeting with Rayner, mirrored this sentiment, stating he was taken aback by the announcement.
“I believe no actions should be taken regarding the building until justice is served and those accountable face trial,” he asserted. “It would be incredibly painful if any changes occurred to the tower before the criminal investigation reaches its conclusion.”
Mr. Carayol, a member of the Humanity For Grenfell group, lost a niece and cousin in the fire and described the tower as a “burial ground” for grieving families.
Bernadette Bernard, one of the many bereaved, expressed: “To me, the tower symbolizes where my brother was cremated; it’s his final resting place, his grave. It’s more than merely a structure, and for me, Angela Rayner’s decision feels like a desecration of my brother’s resting place.”
Mr. Lasharie, chair of the Lancaster West Residents Association (LWRA), conveyed to BBC News that he was “very pleased” with the deputy prime minister’s choice. He emphasized that safety concerns left “no other option” and indicated that most residents supported the tower’s removal, though a “small minority” wished for it to stand as a “symbolic reminder” of the tragedy.
Another LWRA member, Abbas Dadou, cited the building’s constant presence as a source of distress. Living just 50 meters away, he remarked: “It is simple for those not residing in the area to advocate for its permanence. However, structurally, it’s unsafe, and demolition is eventually necessary.”
Emma Dent Coad, who served as Labour MP for Kensington during the fire, voiced her relief at the decision. “I see it every day, and it torments me daily,” she shared. “It sometimes triggers painful memories, and when I gaze at it, I don’t just see the façade; I recall what unfolded that day.”
A 2020 assessment suggested that the tower be stabilized in various locations due to weather-related damage to its concrete reinforcements. The report indicated that fluctuations in temperature had led to structural instability. Further recommendations called for deconstruction above the 10th floor.
Families in mourning fear their concerns are being marginalized, according to Grenfell United, which advocates for bereaved individuals and survivors.
Local resident David O’Connell expressed anxiety over the perception that the failures associated with the 2017 fire may lead to overlooked concerns. O’Connell, who views the tower from his home on the nearby Lancaster West Estate, stated: “I envision a permanent monument standing 200 feet tall, mirroring the tower, to serve as a lasting reminder of the consequences of systemic failures and the 72 lives lost.”
He added: “While many people favor keeping the tower, it is fundamentally unsafe, and deterioration is inevitable; something must be done. However, it’s essential that the discussions respect the voices of local residents, especially the bereaved, as they have lost loved ones.”
This report also contains contributions from PA Media.
