UK: Grenfell Tower to be Razed 8 Years After Deadly Blaze

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Above: General view of the Grenfell Tower. Image copyright: Vuk Valcic/Contributor/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

The Facts

  • The UK's Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner on Wednesday announced plans to demolish London's Grenfell Tower, where 72 people died in a devastating fire in June 2017. Previously, engineering experts warned that while the tower remains stable currently, its condition will deteriorate over time.

  • The decision was reportedly conveyed during a meeting with the kin of the deceased and survivors. A spokesman for Grenfell Next of Kin, a group representing nearly half of bereaved families, said Rayner had "announced the decision that the tower will have to be carefully deconstructed."

  • In September, the final Grenfell Tower Inquiry report concluded the disaster resulted from "decades of failure" by the government and construction industry, citing "systematic dishonesty" of firms who made and sold the flammable cladding.

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The Spin

Narrative A

The tower must be demolished due to deteriorating structural integrity and safety concerns. Engineering experts confirm there is no realistic prospect of bringing it back into use, making the decision necessary despite its sensitivity.

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Narrative B

Demolishing the tower without proper consultation with bereaved families is unforgivable, as it represents a sacred burial site for loved ones. Razing it risks putting the tragedy out of sight and mind before justice has been served.

BBC NewsX

Metaculus Prediction

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