It is impossible to comprehend what everybody affected by the fire has gone through. The response of people who have provided help, compassion and support has once again shown the fantastic spirit of this nation. I also pay tribute to the emergency services, who did such sterling work, putting their lives in danger to save others.

I completely understand the shock, concern, anger and frustration that exists as a result of this incident. The Prime Minister has ordered a full, judge-led public inquiry, which will give people the answers they deserve.  You may also be aware that the Prime Minister has made a comprehensive statement about the Grenfell Tower Fire, including information on what is being done for affected residents.  You can find a link to that statement here: https://tinyurl.com/yddmfkjp.

The Grenfell Tower Recovery task force was set up in the aftermath of the tragedy to ensure a coordinated response. It is chaired by the Prime Minister and includes representation from a number of government departments. The government is working with the local authority to ensure that people who lost their homes in the disaster are rehoused in the local area at the earliest opportunity (within 3 weeks at the latest). The government is also working with local authorities, housing associations, fire and rescue services, and fire safety experts to ensure that all similar buildings are checked and that residents are assured of this.

A new £5 million Grenfell Tower Residents’ Discretionary Fund has also been made available immediately to help those who had to flee their homes. Every household whose home has been destroyed will receive a guaranteed £5,500 minimum down payment from the fund. This money could be used to cover loss of possessions, funerals and emergency supplies. I understand that the fund will be kept under review and will increase if necessary.

You may also be interested to know that I spoke in the House of Commons on 22 June 2017 about the danger of scaremongering and the importance of exercising caution when assigning blame.  The Prime Minister agreed with me and emphasised the importance of the enquiry being able to ‘get to the truth’.  You can find a link to the debate here: https://tinyurl.com/y86mmxkh.

A further statement has also been made by The Rt Hon Sajid Javid MP, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, to give further updates and assurances relating to Grenfell Tower and other high rise properties.  You can find his statement here: https://tinyurl.com/y9525a3t

I have also been in touch with Taunton Deane Borough Council and local housing associations to seek their assurances that they are all following the correct fire and safety advice in all of their properties, and are acting with their tenants’ safety as their priority. You may be interested to know that there are no local authority run properties above 4 storeys in Taunton.  I have also received reassurances from the Chief Fire Officer for Devon & Somerset, who is carrying out an assessment of relevant properties in the wider South West area and who is keeping me updated of any actions that need to be taken.