Survivors and family members of those lost in the Grenfell Tower fire are calling for justice on the eighth anniversary of the devastating event that occurred in 2017.

The tragic blaze claimed the lives of 72 individuals, including 18 children, and remains under investigation by the Metropolitan Police.

In the coming months, efforts will commence to demolish the 23-story building.

On Saturday evening, hundreds of people marched in silence through west London, where they listened to the names of the deceased and speeches from advocates, all while the tower loomed in the background.

Iconic London landmarks such as the BT Tower and the London Eye were illuminated in memory of the victims, while the Salford Civic Centre in Greater Manchester was lit green.

Concerns persist regarding the lack of prosecutions in connection with the tragedy.

Karim Mussilhy, vice chairman of Grenfell United, mourned his uncle, who perished in the fire. He addressed the gathering, saying, “Eight years have gone by since the fire—ignited by negligence, greed, and systemic failure—that ravaged our homes, families, and hearts.

“And yet, justice remains elusive. The unfortunate truth is that there’s almost nothing new to report because nothing has improved. As we gather here eight years later, the only action this government has taken is to decide to demolish the tower—our former home.”

He condemned the incident as a “forgotten scandal.”

“The tower stands not only as a reminder of the tragedy but also as a call for change—symbolizing the truth amidst denial, dignity against oppression, and our resilience in memory of the 72 loved ones who cannot advocate for their own justice.

“And now, they wish to erase it from sight, seeking to move on without acknowledgment of this forgotten scandal,” he continued.

The crowd responded with shouts of “shame” and calls for “justice.”

The final report from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, released in September, stated that victims, bereaved families, and survivors had been “severely failed” due to incompetence, dishonesty, and greed.

On Sunday, Joe Powell, the MP for Kensington and Bayswater, shared with BBC’s Inspirit with Jumoké Fashola that “the one consensus among everyone is the need for criminal accountability.”

“Naturally, we cannot speculate on how far up the chain of command those responsible will be held accountable, particularly companies named in the inquiry report, but that is the expectation.”

Kasim Ali, head of the Labour group in Kensington and Chelsea council, who lives just 500 meters from the tower, expressed having witnessed “horrifying” events.

He remarked, “I fear that lives have been undervalued, particularly for communities residing in council-owned properties or social housing. There exists a stigma surrounding this situation, and I believe these communities have been overlooked.”

Ali expressed his hope that Grenfell’s legacy would be a commitment to safe housing, emphasizing, “What we are seeking… is justice. Who bears responsibility for the loss of 72 members of our community?”

The government’s recent announcement to proceed with the demolition was met with criticism from some bereaved families and survivors, who voiced feelings of disappointment and distress, stating they believed their perspectives were disregarded prior to this decision.

Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner later acknowledged the challenges of engaging with those most affected, noting that there was “not a consensus” over the tower’s fate.

Amidst the gathering on Saturday, signs read, “Despite so much evidence, still no charges” and “Tories have blood on their hands. Justice for Grenfell.”

Participants raised large green papier-mâché hearts adorned with the words “hope,” “integrity,” “enough is enough,” and “justice.”

The Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission has been seeking public input for plans to create a permanent memorial for the tower, which includes recommendations for a “sacred space” intended to be a “peaceful place for remembering and reflecting.”

A planning application for this memorial is expected to be submitted by late 2026.