Bereaved Families Express Concern Over Losing a Permanent Memorial to the Fire’s Injustice

Some survivors and families of the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire have expressed concerns that demolishing the building will result in the tragedy being forgotten. The fatal blaze in June 2017 claimed 72 lives, and the survivors worry that dismantling the tower could diminish the memory of the disaster, which exposed systemic failings.

On January 6, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner confirmed that the 24-storey building would be taken down, a move that sparked anger from those directly affected. The decision follows a meeting where the government presented plans for the demolition, but many of the bereaved and survivors felt their views were ignored.

The group Grenfell United, which represents survivors and families of those who perished, described the government’s disregard of their opinions as “disgraceful and unforgivable.” Their stance is that keeping the tower intact, or at least part of it, would serve as a permanent reminder of the injustice and failures that led to the fire.

Some, like Maryam Adam, who was pregnant when she managed to escape the blaze, have called for the tower to remain standing as a symbol of the disaster’s impact. In contrast, others, citing the mental health toll the structure’s presence causes, are more in favour of demolition. However, Adam insists that while the building should not remain in its current state, it should stand as a lesson for those responsible. “I don’t want the building to be destroyed… I want it to teach anyone responsible: ‘Don’t forget,'” she told the Guardian.

The fire inquiry’s final report in September concluded that the tragedy was a result of long-standing failures, including unsafe cladding and inadequate government regulation. Yet, questions remain over how the disaster will be memorialised. The government has said that structural advice has prompted the decision to take the building down due to safety concerns, with parts potentially being retained for a memorial.

Emma O’Connor, who survived the fire, suggested that if the building is too unstable, it should be dismantled from the top but preserved as a memorial for future generations. However, she criticised the government for the lack of engagement with survivors’ suggestions at the meeting.

Despite the structural safety issues, some families, represented by Grenfell Next Of Kin, understand the need for safety measures but are still saddened by the decision to demolish the building. “If wishful thinking were an option, we would want the tower to stand as a permanent reminder forever,” said the group.

The Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission has been working on plans for a permanent memorial in the area, but survivors remain frustrated with the lack of clarity and consultation.

A government spokesperson reiterated that Deputy Prime Minister Rayner is committed to hearing the voices of the bereaved and survivors and will continue to engage with them on the future of the site.