Sir Keir Starmer issued an apology from the British state to bereaved families and survivors of the Grenfell Tower scandal following the publication of a damning inquiry report.
The Prime Minister also demanded swift justice, including through the criminal courts, for those to blame for the catastrophic blaze in west London in June 2017 which claimed the lives of 72 people.
With some Grenfell survivors in the public gallery in the Commons, Sir Keir told the Commons on Wednesday: “I want to start with an apology on behalf of the British state to each and every one of you…and indeed to all the families affected by this tragedy.”
He added: “The country failed to discharge its most fundamental duty… to protect you and your loved ones...the people we are here to serve.
“And I am deeply sorry.”
He slammed the “horrific failures” outlined in detail in a 1,600-page report by the Grenfell Inquiry and stressed companies involved would be barred from getting government contracts.
The Prime Minister stressed: “Today is a long-awaited day of truth…but it must now lead to a day of justice.”
He emphasised the Government’s backing to deliver a permanent memorial of the Grenfell tragedy on the site in west London.
The document, released at 11am on Wednesday, lays bare the inquiry’s findings around the actions of corporate firms in the construction industry, the local authority, London Fire Brigade and government.
