NI education: Teachers could be fined for not taking part in school inspections
Teachers could be fined up to £2,500 for not taking part in school inspections, according to new plans published by the Department of Education.The department has proposed changing the law to make it an offence to obstruct an inspection.Main school inspections normally take place every seven years, but can lead to further follow up inspections.In a statement the Education Minister Paul Givan said without inspections "many schools may not have been identified to receive the support they need to improve."
'Absolute requirement to co-operate'
"That is why I am proposing to bring forward a standalone bill to remove any ambiguity from our current legislation and create an absolute requirement to co-operate with inspection," he said.Inspectors examine how a school is performing, including observing lessons, seeking feedback from pupils and parents and monitoring school policies on things like safeguarding.The results of inspections for each school are then published.But as part of industrial action short of strike during pay disputes in recent years, teachers have boycotted inspections.In March, an expert panel appointed by Givan recommended new laws to require teachers to co-operate with inspections as part of a wider review of Northern Ireland's education system.The department is now consulting on the proposed law change.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
14 minutes ago
- The Sun
Thousands of UK drivers face huge speed limit change under new road rules – is your route affected?
THOUSANDS of UK drivers will face a huge speed limit change under new road rules - is your route affected? The Welsh Government announced plans to lower the default speed limit from 30mph to 20mph, in 2023. 1 The decision sparked major public backlash, with hundreds of thousands of locals signing petitions calling for the rule to be scrapped. It appears residents were heard, as the Government later confirmed that councils could opt out by restoring some roads to the original 30mph limit the following year. This prompted fresh discussions, as local authorities began working with drivers to decide which roads should return to the higher speed limit. Some areas have since reverted to the 30mph limit, while others are still in the process of making the change. At the time, plans to slash the threshold for drivers being fined on 20mph roads have been branded " utter madness" as the Welsh Labour Government continues to develop the controversial policy. Motorists across Wales were still getting used to the 20mph speed limits on restricted roads as the Government worked with local authorities to make necessary changes. Following the heavily criticised rollout, Labour announced it would look to amend the policy so it was more focused on roads that actually need it - instead of it being a blanket measure. To that end, the standard threshold for drivers to be slapped with a speeding fine is 10 per cent plus two miles per hour. This was changed to four miles per hour for the new 20mph roads, as requested by GoSafe, who called on chief police officers to be more lenient on drivers as they adjust to the nationwide proposal. This means that if a driver is caught speeding at 24mph in the 20mph zone, they will not be fined. However, a penalty charge notice could be issued if they're caught at 26mph. But reports now suggest changes could be introduced to amend this threshold and could see drivers fined if they're travelling at 24mph. According to Wales Online, chief police officers were set to review the policy in March. The former leader of the Welsh Conservatives, Andrew RT Davies MS, Senedd Member for South Wales Central, said: "Dropping this threshold would be utter madness. "The 20mph policy is crackers enough without implementing a low threshold which is hard to match at low speeds. "Labour's failed 20mph experiment should be dropped." In 2024, 48,203 offences were recorded in Mid and South Wales, while 36,710 were given out in North Wales. In total, 84,913 offences were recorded across the country. Average offence speeds peaked in April for Mid and South Wales at 30.4mph, while North Wales saw the average offence speed peak at 32.7mph in May. Throughout 2024, the GoSafe road safety partnership revealed that 13,443 engagement sessions had taken place in which the Welsh Fire and Rescue Services delivered a 10-minute presentation about the speed limit changes. A spokesperson for GoSafe said: "While the public get used to the change in default limit, chief police officers have allowed us to increase this to 10 per cent plus 4mph in 20mph only, meaning we start to prosecute at 26mph in a 20mph limit. "This allows us to concentrate on offences more significantly over the speed limit. "The increased enforcement threshold is scheduled to be reviewed by Chief Officers in March 2025, however, they will continue to monitor it and may review it before this date. Any change will be communicated in advance through official sources." The roads that are in contention for changes Anglesey These roads have been proposed to change to 30mph. Amlwch A5025 Amlwch, Lon Parys to Ffordd Madyn Benllech, A5025 Bodffordd, A5 approach Bryn Du, unnamed Class 3 road Bull Bay, A5025 Caergeiliog, A5 Bryngwran approach Gaerwen, Lon Groes - industrial estate road Holyhead A5153, Parc Cybi Holyhead A5154, Victoria Road Llanddaniel, A5 approach Llanddaniel, Llanedwen approach Llanddaniel, level crossing approach Llandegfan, Ffordd yr Eglwys Llanfachraeth, A5025 Llanfaes, unmamed Class 3 road from the B5109 Llanfair PG A5025 near park and ride facility Llanfihangel yn Nhowyn, RAF Valley, Minffordd Road Llangefni, Industrial Estate Road Newborough, A4080 Malltraeth approach Pentraeth, B5109 Beaumaris approach Rhosmeirch, B5111 Coedana approach Rhosneigr, A4080 Llyn Maelog approach Talwrn, Old school road (Due to Closed School) Trearddur Bay, B4545 Lon St Ffraid East Blaenau Gwent A section of the A467, Aberbeeg Road, will revert to its former speed limit of 40mph. All other roads currently set at 20mph should remain. Caerphilly It has been reported that dozens of roads in the county are being considered to be reverted back to 30mph from 20mph but no further details are available. Cardiff Four roads in Cardiff will be reverted back to 30mph Newport Road: All of Newport Road except for a section which runs outside St Illtyd's Catholic School. The road has four lanes for the majority and a bus corridor between Cardiff and Newport, allowing it to revert to 30mph. Western Avenue:A section of Western Avenue west of the Taff River Bridge up to the junction with Cardiff and Llandaff Road. The council decided there are enough pedestrian crossings and significant separation between carriageways and footways to allow a return to 30mph. Ocean Way:From Beignon Close to Rover Way. As the area is mainly non-residential and carries a lot of traffic to the Link Road the speed limit will change. Hadfield Road:The section between the junction with Leckwith Road and Penarth Road. The road will change as it is also mainly industrial and feeds onto both Leckwith and Penarth Road, both of which have 30mph limits. Carmarthenshire The following A and B Class roads are proposed to return to 30mph, subject to consultation and the Traffic Regulation Order process: A484 Cwmdwyfran (in full) A484 Pentre-Morgan (in full) A484 Pentrecagal (in full) B4297 Heol Y Bwlch, Bynea (in part - for a length of 600m from its junction with Yspitty Road to its junction with Y Gerddi) B4333 Hermon (in part – on southern approach to the village only) B4312 Llangain (in part – on both approaches to the village) B4312 Moument Hill, Carmarthen (in full) B4308 Carmarthen Road, Kidwelly (in part – on the southern approach to the town for a distance of approximately 246m) B4556 New Link Road, Penygroes (in full) B4306 Heol Y Parc, Hendy (in part - from Llannon direction up to its junction with Clos Glyn Dwr) B4337 Llanybydder (in part) - for a distance of 150m on the eastern approach into Llanybydder from Ty Mawr Ceredigion There will be no proposed changes to any existing speed limits. Conwy Conwy Council has drawn up a list of priority roads that will be assessed. A final decision has yet to be made on the following roads. B5115: B5115 from Brompton Avenue, Bae Colwyn (Colwyn Bay) through Llandudno Road, Bae Penrhyn (Penrhyn Bay) B5115 Colwyn Road, Llandudno to Conway Road, Llanrhos Bryn Lupus Road, Llanrhos Rhos Promenade and Marine Drive, Llandrillo-yn-Rhos (Rhos on Sea) Glan y Mor Road, Bae Penrhyn (Penrhyn Bay) B5106: B5106 from Gyffin through Tal y Bont B5106 Dolgarrog to Trefriw A547: A547 Llanddulas Road, Abergele A547 Abergele Road, from Wynnstay Road to the 40mph east of Highlands Road, Hen Golwyn (Old Colwyn) A547 Conwy bridge A548: Foryd Road and Towyn Road, Tywyn (Towyn) and Bae Cinmel (Kinmel Bay) B5383: Rotary Way, Hen Golwyn (Old Colwyn) St Asaph Avenue, Bae Cinmel (Kinmel Bay) B5113: Kings Drive to Llanrwst Road, Bryn y Maen B5279 Tyn y Groes Road Meirion Drive, Conwy B4406 Penmachno to A5 Conway Old Road to Bwlch Sychnant (Sychnant Pass) Maesdu Avenue, Deganwy Denbighshire The council has announced it has no plans to increase the speed limit on any of its 20mph roads Flintshire The council has said that it will begin the process of reverting some roads back to 30mph in July. It said more than 1,000 requests had been received and all had been assessed. These are the roads which have been nominated to have their speed limit changed. Final decisions on them are yet to be confirmed: A5026 from Lloc to A5151 A5026 Holway Road/Fron Park Road/Halkyn Road, Holywell A5104 Chester Road to High Street, Saltney A5104 Main Road, Broughton A5104 Mold Road, Broughton A5104 Pontybodkin to Coed Talon A5119 Flint, Northop Road A5119 King Street A5119 King Street to Leadmills A5119 New Brighton A5119 Northop Road, Northop A5119 Ruthin Road, Mold A541 Caergwrle A541 Cefn y Bedd A541 Denbigh Road, Mold A541 Hendre A541 Pontblyddyn B5441 Welsh Road, Deeside A548 Bagillt Road A548 Mostyn Road A548 Oakenholt to Flint A548 Weighbridge Road, Deeside A549 Dobshill to Penrhwylfa Roundabout A550 Gladstone Way, Hawarden A550 Hawarden Road, Caegwrle A5119 Aber Road, Flint Alltami Road, Buckley Aston Hall Lane Aston Road B5121 Brynford Road B5121 Greenfield to Holywell B5125 Glynne Way B5125 Hawarden B5129 Kelsterton Road B5129 Sandycroft B5129 Shotton B5444 Wrexham Road, Mold Bagillt High Street Bannel Lane, Buckley Brunswick Road Bryn Lane, New Brighton Bryn Road, Mynydd Isa Bryn-y-Baal Road to Bryn Road, Mynydd Isa Burntwood Road to Wood Lane Carmel Road Chambers Lane B5128 Church Road, Buckley B5129 Connah's Quay High Street Deeside Industrial Park Drury Lane Drury New Road Dock Road, Greenfield Evans Way, Shotton Ewloe Interchange Factory Road, Sandycroft Fagl lane Ffordd Llanarth Ffordd Nercwys Ffordd Pentre Bach Gas Lane, Mold Globe Way, Buckley Green Lane East Greenfield Street to Greenfield Road Gwernaffield Road Hall Lane Kelsterton Lane, Connah's Quay Jubilee Road Level Road B5127 Liverpool Road, Buckley Llinegar Hill, Penyffordd Lower Aston Hall lane Maes Gwern, Mold B5126 Mold Road, Connah's Quay Manor Lane Industrial Estate Martins Hill Megs Lane Monastery Road Moor lane Mount Pleasant Road Nant Mawr Road, Buckley New Road, Drury Oakfield Road Padeswood Road South, Buckley Pen-Y-Maes Road Pinfold Lane, Buckley Plough Interchange Precinct Way, Buckley Queensferry roundabout Queen's Lane, Mold Raikes Lane Rhes-y-Cae River Lane, Saltney Sandy Lane, Saltney Spence Industrial Estate St Davids Park Shotton, Woodland Street The Willow Tinkersdale, Hawarden Vounog Hill to Wrexham Road, Penyffordd Wepre Lane to Wepre Drive, Connah's Quay Whitefarm Road, Buckley Wood Lane to St David's Park, Ewloe Woodlands Road, Mold Merthyr The council received comments on the following 20 roads, however a review will take place to decide whether they will be reverted back to 30mph. Pant Industrial Estate Pant Road to Pontsticill A4054 - Cardiff Road Treharris/Quakers Yard Aberfan to Troedyrhiw A4054 - Plymouth Street A4054 – Old Hoovers factory to petrol station A4054 - Caedraw roundabout to road bridge College Boulevard - Merthyr College/gyratory to Vauxhall garage A4054 - Caedraw roundabout to Vauxhall Garage roundabout Bethesda Street Brecon road - St Marys Church to Cyfarthfa Arms Cyfarthfa road - Pandy Clock to Mormon Church Top of Galon Uchaf roundabout to 10th Avenue Penydarren roundabout to Pontmorlais Top section of Swansea Road Aberdare Road Winchfawr A4054 - Upper Cefn High Street A4054 – Full length of Cefn High Street Whole of A4054 to revert back except outside schools Monmouthshire Monmouthshire Council has decided it is not reverting any roads from the current 20mph speed limit. Neath Port Talbot Council The council has said it has received 93 comments about streets or roads following a consultation after the revised Welsh Government guidance. It said it was reviewing all the comments and assessing them against the guidance. Newport In March, 2025, the council stated its intention to change the speed limit for the following 16 streets in Newport. A public consultation has taken place and a final decision will be made after the feedback from the consultation is assessed. Caerphilly Road (part – extend existing 30mph from the property 'Brambles' up to Garth Terrace) Bassaleg Road (part – Pye Corner up to 130 Bassaleg Road) Bettws Lane (part – from Malpas Road to Newport High School) Duffryn Drive Duffryn Way Frederick Street George Street Lighthouse Road (part - between Morgan Way to a point prior to controlled crossing near Duffryn Way) Morgan Way Royal Oak Hill (part – extend existing 30mph to junction with Chepstow Road) Tredegar House Drive Tregwilym Road (part – Western Valley Road to Chartist Drive) Usk Road (part – extend existing 30mph to junction with The Hawthorns) Wern Industrial Estate West Nash Road (part – from junction with Nash Road to point near St Mary's Close) Wharf Road Pembrokeshire Pembrokeshire Council has asked for the public's views on any changes that should be made in its area. Powys It has been reported that the council has been consulting on possible changes and that the results of this will be presented in due course to cabinet. Rhondda Cynon Taf Council The council has been looking into 313 requests to change roads back from their current 20mph limit. But no decisions have so far been taken on any changes. Swansea There are 17 roads in Swansea that could potentially see their limits increased from 20mph to 30mph. A48 – From Penllergaer to Pontlliw -From a point 60 metres south of Parc Penderi in Penllergaer to a point 60 metres south of Oaklands Road in Pontlliw. B4295 – The Promenade, Penclawdd -From the current 30mph limit at a point 45 metres southwest of its junction with Graig-y-Coed west to its junction with Hall Lane. B4296 – Pentre Road (Pontardulais) -From the current 30mph limit at a point 360 metres south of its junction with Park Terrace to a point 130 metres south of this junction. B4296 – Pentre Road (Grovesend) -From the existing 30mph limit at a point 50 metres north of its junction with Clos Brynlliw, Grovesend south to a point 10 metres north of Clos Pengelli. B4296 Coalbrook Road (Grovesend) -From the existing 30mph limit 420 metres north of its junction with Frampton Road northwards for a distance of 100 metres. B4436 Mayals Road -From its junction with Mumbles Road west to the 40mph limit at a point 100 metres west of its junction with Curlew Close. B4620 Swansea Road/ Carmarthen Road (Llewitha) -From the existing 40mph limit on Swansea Road 570 metres east of its junction with Hospital Road east to a point on Carmarthen Road 250 metres west of its junction with Ystrad Road. B4603 Clydach Road -From a point 30 metres north of its junction with Field Close north to a point 50 metres south of its junction with Lanllienwen Road. From its junction with the northern kerbline of the junction 45 roundabout of the M4 north to a point 30 metres south of its junction with Christopher Road. From a point 20 metres southwest of its junction with Quarr Drive southwest for a distance of 690 metres. Carmel Road - From a point 40 metres east of Colwyn Avenue to a point 50 metres west of Crymlyn Road. Brynmill Lane - From its junction with Sketty Road southeast to its junction with Park Place. Gors Avenue -From a point 10 metres west of its junction with Townhill Road to its junction with Carmarthen Road. Townhill Road -From its junction with Gors Avenue to a point 10 metres west of its junction with Mayhill Road. Heol Ddu -From a point 20 metres west of its junction with Llangyfelach Road west to the existing 40mph limit 20 metres southwest of its junction with Roger Street. Heol y Cwmdu -From its junction with Carmarthen Road to a point 10 metres west of the access road to Parc Cwmdu. Mynydd Newydd Road -From the existing 40mph limit 50 metres south of its junction with Penplas Road to a point 20 metres north of its junction with Broughton Avenue. Pant Lasau Road - From the existing 40mph speed limit 113 metres southwest of the southern boundarybof the property known as Brynsirol northeast to a point 60 metres southwest of its junction with Heol Maes Eglwys. Pentregethin Road -From its junction with Pontarddulais Road east then southeast to a point 10 metres southeast of Woodford Road. Torfaen Consultations have taken place regarding the following roads to be revised, this is set to be completed by the end of spring, 2025. Newport Road, Cwmbran (part) Estate Road, Blaenavon (including Gilchrist Thomas Industrial Estate) The A4043 north from Pontypool towards Abersychan (part) New Road, between Griffithstown and New Inn (part) Usk Road, New Inn (part) Riverside, Pontypool Turnpike Road, Llanyravon (part) B4236 Caerleon Road (part) - 40mph section Vale of Glamorgan The speed limit on 83 roads could change in the Vale of Glamorgan but a list of which roads are being considered has not been shared. Wrexham These are the roads set for reversion to 30mph: B5445 Marford Hill, Marford B5445 Chester Road, Gresford A5152 Chester Road, Acton (A483 – Garden Village) A5152 Chester Road, Acton (Garden Village – City) Ty Gwyn Lane, Acton B5100 Rhosnesni Lane, Acton Jeffreys Road, Borras A534 Holt Road, Wrexham (Hullah Lane to Greyhound) A534 Holt Road, Borras (Greyhound to Link Road) A525 Ruthin Road, Wrexham A541 Mold Road, Gwersyllt A525 Kingsmills Road, Hightown Kingsmills Loop (Old A525) Abenbury Road, Abenbury Cefn Road, Abenbury A525 Marchwiel Road/Bangor Road, Marchwiel A528 Overton Road, Marchwiel A525 Bangor Road, Cross Lanes B5130 Holt Road/Kiln Lane, Cross Lanes B5425 New Road/ Main Road/ Llay New Road, Rhosrobin Plas Acton Road, Pandy B5425 Llay New Road, Llay B5102 Straight Mile/ Croeshowell Hill, Llay Gegin Lane, Llay Higher Lane, Llay Chapel Lane, Llay Phoenix Drive, Brymbo New High Street, Brymbo Railway Road, Brymbo B5101, The Lodge B5426 Wern Road, Minera B5426 Minera Hall Road, Minera B5426, The Wern B5605 Park Road/Newbridge Road, Rhosymedre A539 Llangollen Road, Trevor A539 Llangollen Road, Acrefair B5070, Chirk B5070, Chirk (buffer) B5605 Wrexham Road, Johnstown B5605 Ruabon Road, Johnstown Vauxhall Industrial Estate, Johnstown B5605 Ruabon Road, Ruabon B5605 New High Street, Ruabon B5605 Bridge Street, Ruabon A539/B5605 Ruabon Roundabout B5097 Plas Bennion to Tatham Road Plas Bennion Road/ Copperas Hill
Daily Mail
19 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Will Israel-Iran conflict spark fresh inflation crisis? Rachel Reeves admits spiking energy prices and threats to trade routes are 'cause for concern' - with fears public finances are too bad to respond
Fears are mounting about the economic impact of the Iran-Israel conflict today as energy prices rise and trade routes face disruption. Rachel Reeves admitted a 10 per cent spike in oil and gas costs and threats by Tehran to close the Straits of Hormuz were 'cause for concern'. In TV interviews this morning, the Chancellor stressed energy costs were still lower than 'a few months ago' - but said the potential fallout for UK plc was partly driving the UK's calls for de-escalation. Ms Reeves dodged questions on whether her already-delicate spending plans would be smashed by the crisis, insisting Britain has a 'strong economy'. The comments came as former BP boss Lord Browne warned oil prices would 'go up a long way' if Iran shut the Straits of Hormuz. Deutsche Bank has suggested that such action could see Brent crude hit $125 a barrel - compared to around $74 now. Former Chancellor Lord Hammond told Sky News that the government was not in a good position to respond to serious disruption because Ms Reeves had not rebuilt the Treasury's reserve. Ms Reeves told Sky News: 'We've already seen in the last few days, for example, oil and gas prices begin to go up'. 'Over the course of this week, oil and gas prices, oil prices have gone up by just over 10 per cent, they're still down compared to a few months ago but of course we're keeping an eye on that,' she said. 'And at the same time, as you say trade routes are very important through the Middle East and we've seen disruption there in the past, partly because of the Houthi attacks for example. 'And so that is a cause for concern.' Pressed how bad the situation could be, she said: 'It is very early days and things are moving quickly. But when we urge for de-escalation in the region that is in part because of the lives at risk… but also because what happens in the Middle East affects us here at home. 'It's why in the Spending Review this week we invested heavily in our defence to keep our country safe.' Ms Reeves confirmed the UK is deploying military assets to the region to 'protect ourselves' and 'potentially to support our allies'. She noted that in the past Britain has 'helped protect Israel' from 'incoming strikes'. 'I'm not going to comment on what might happen in the future, but so far, we haven't been involved, and we're sending in assets to both protect ourselves and also potentially to support our allies.' Lord Hammond told Sky News: 'What she should have been doing of course a long time ago is rebuilding our reserve. But she hasn't done that… 'If there's an economic shock we will be in a much more difficult position in responding to it.' He added: 'It's only if the situation becomes long term sustained that I think there is a risk we could see serious economic disruption.'
Daily Mail
34 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Bereaved and survivors call for justice on eighth anniversary of devastating Grenfell fire that killed 72 people ahead of tower block being pulled down
Grenfell bereaved and survivors shouted for justice in what is likely to be the final anniversary in the shadow of the tower before it is pulled down. The Government announced earlier this year that the remains of the 23-storey building will be demolished. It is thought the earliest that process will start is September and it is expected to take around two years. The Met Police investigation into what led to the 'avoidable' tragedy in 2017 which claimed the lives of 72 people – 18 of whom were children - remains ongoing. Many families and survivors believe the tower should not be removed until there are criminal prosecutions, although some local residents say they find it difficult to see every day. Hundreds walked in silence through west London on Saturday evening before hearing the names of the dead and speeches by campaigners, as the tower overlooked them. Vice chairman of Grenfell United, Karim Mussilhy, who lost his uncle in the blaze, told the crowd: 'Eight years have passed, eight years since the fire - lit by negligence, greed and institutional failure - tore through our homes, our families and our hearts. 'And still no justice has come. The truth is, there's almost nothing new to say because nothing has changed. 'As we stand here eight years on, the only decision this Government has made is to tear down the tower - our home.' The crowd shouted 'shame' and Mr Mussilhy continued: 'Not because justice has been delivered, but despite the fact it hasn't - before a single person has been held accountable, to make what happened disappear. 'The tower has stood not just as a reminder of what happened, but of what must change - a symbol and a truth in the face of denial, of dignity in the face of power, of our resistance, of our 72 loved ones who can't fight for their own justice. 'And now they want it gone, out of sight out of mind, a clear skyline and a forgotten scandal.' The crowd faced the tower and chanted: 'Justice, justice.' At the close of the speeches people filed in through the gates, which are rarely opened, and paid their respects at the base of the tower. Attendees held each other and children wrote tributes on electric candles that were left on a podium between the flowers. What remains of the tower has stood in place in the years since the disaster, with a covering on the building featuring a large green heart accompanied by the words 'forever in our hearts'. Grenfell survivors and their supporters take part in the annual silent walk on June 14, 2025 The 72 victims of the Grenfell Tower fire in June 2017 are pictured as follows - (top row left to right) Mohammad Al-Haj Ali, Ya-Haddy Sisi Saye, also known as Khadija Saye, Anthony Disson, Khadija Khalloufi, Mary Mendy, Isaac Paulos, Sheila, Gloria Trevisan, Marco Gottardi, (second row left to right) Berkti Haftom, Ali Yarwar Jafari, Majorie Vital, Yahya Hashim, Hamid Kani, Jessica Urbano Ramirez, Zainab Deen, Nura Jemal, Jeremiah Deen, (third row left to right) Yasin El-Wahabi, Firdaws Hashim, Hashim Kedir, Debbie Lamprell, Ernie Vital, Sakina Afrasehabi, Denis Mur-phy, Raymond 'Moses' Bernard, Biruk Haftom, (fouth row left to right) Yaqub Hashim, Mehdi El-Wahabi, Ligaya Moore, Nur Huda El-Wahabi, Victoria King, Mo-hammed Amied Neda, Maria del Pilar Burton, Hesham Rahman, Gary Maunders, (fifth row left to right) Alexandra Atala, Vincent Chiejina, Steve Power, Rania Ibrahim, Fethia Hassan, Hania Hassan, Fathia Ahmed Elsanousi, Abufras Ibrahim (silhouette), Isra Ibrahim (silhouette), (sixth row left to right) Mariem Elgwahry, Eslah Elgwahry (sil-houette), Mohamednur Tuccu, Amal Ahmedin, Amaya Tuccu-Ahmedin, Amna Mahmud Idris, Abdeslam Sebbar (silhouette) , Joseph Daniels (silhouette), Logan Gomes, (seventh row left to right) Omar Belkadi, Farah Hamdan, Malak Belkadi (sil-houette), Leena Belkadi (silhouette), Abdulaziz El-Wahabi, Faouzia El-Wahabi, Fatemeh Afrasiabi, Kamru Miah, Rabeya Begum, (eighth row left to right) Mohammed Hamid, Mohammed Hanif, Husna Begum, Bassem Choukair, Nadia Choucair, Mierna Choucair, Fatima Choucair, Zainab Choucair and Sirria Choucair Some campaigners pose for a selfie during the silent march on Saturday The final Grenfell Tower Inquiry report, published in September, concluded victims, bereaved and survivors were 'badly failed' through incompetence, dishonesty and greed. The tower block was covered in combustible products because of the 'systematic dishonesty' of firms who made and sold the cladding and insulation, inquiry chairman Sir Martin Moore-Bick said. It was Britain's worst residential fire since World War II. News of the Government's demolition decision earlier this year was met with criticism from some bereaved and survivors of the 2017 fire who expressed their upset and shock, saying they felt they had not had their views considered before the decision was taken. Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner later said in an interview that she knew the meeting with those most closely affected was going to be 'really difficult' and that there was 'not a consensus' among everyone over what should happen to the tower. On Saturday, placards read 'this much evidence still no charges' and 'Tories have blood on their hands. Justice for Grenfell'. Large green papier-mache hearts were held aloft, with words including 'hope', 'integrity', 'enough is enough' and 'justice' written across. Around a dozen fire fighters stood to attention on each side of the road outside Ladbroke Grove station, facing the passing crowd with their helmets at their feet. Some members of the Grenfell community walked up to hug them and shake hands. After an hour of walking in silence the crowd gathered for the speeches outside Notting Hill Methodist Church. The Government confirmed in February that engineering advice is that the tower 'is significantly damaged' and will get worse with time. Separately, the Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission has been consulting on plans for a permanent memorial in the area of the tower, with recommendations including a 'sacred space', designed to be a 'peaceful place for remembering and reflecting'. It is expected a planning application for a memorial could be submitted in late 2026. According to the Government's latest figures, published last month, there were 5,052 residential buildings in England which are 11 metres or taller identified as having unsafe cladding as of the end of April. Fewer than half - 2,477 buildings or 49 per cent - had either started or completed remediation works, with just a third - 1,652 buildings or 33 per cent - having had remediation works finished. Labour unveiled its remediation acceleration plan last year, pledging that, by the end of 2029, all buildings more than 59ft (18 metres) tall with unsafe cladding that are on a Government scheme will have been remediated. Grenfell Tower was originally built with reinforced concrete in 1974. The refurbishment with external flammable cladding and insulation that caused the disaster was completed just a year before the fire. A structural engineer's report from December 2024 said the tower was 'stable' but it concluded the 'underlying structure will worsen over time' due to fire damage. Engineers advised it would 'not be practical to remediate all or part of the damaged structure', especially above the 10th floor.
