Latest news with #Grenfell
Sydney Morning Herald
3 days ago
- Politics
- Sydney Morning Herald
Criticism of Israel's war needs to be disentangled from antisemitism
It is a big call to claim that antisemitism has become normalised in Australia on the basis of a few extremist acts and fringe conspiracy-theory posts on social media (' Antisemitism becoming the 'new normal '' July 21). The mainstream opposition to Israel's war against the people of Gaza is aimed at the Israeli government, not at Australian Jews. For decades, it has been instilled in our minds that Israel, Judaism and Jewish identity are inextricably entwined and, in light of the present situation, disentanglement needs to be clearly and unequivocally addressed by governments and Jewish representatives if antisemitism is to be combatted. Alynn Pratt, Grenfell While the rise in antisemitism rightly demands action, I am deeply concerned that the framing of the National Antisemitism Strategy risks unintentionally undermining equal protection and freedom of expression in Australia (' To defend our democracy, PM must disavow and abandon Segal report ', July 19). Hate incidents against Muslim, Arab, Asian and Indigenous communities are also on the rise. We need a unified, national anti-racism approach that protects all Australians – not a siloed response that prioritises one group over others. Australia already has strong laws against racial and religious vilification, which we should strengthen through an inclusive framework. Any national strategy must also protect political expression. Criticising the actions of a foreign government is not hate speech. To conflate criticism of Israel with antisemitism risks chilling legitimate human rights advocacy and undermines Australia's obligations under international law. We must not allow policies designed to combat hate to be used, intentionally or not, to silence voices speaking out for justice, particularly for oppressed or displaced communities. Australia must lead with integrity – defending all communities from hate, preserving free speech and speaking with moral clarity in support of human rights. John Gregg, Bathurst Despair grows As the slaughter in Gaza continues, several recent incidents have attracted attention (' 85 killed in Gaza on deadliest day yet for aid-seekers ', July 21). An Israel Defence Forces strike on a charity organisation that resulted in the death of mothers and their children. The IDF announced that the incident was under review. The death of scores of Palestinians while seeking aid from distribution centres, also under review. Another strike on a Catholic church in Gaza – also under review. Surely what should be under review is the IDF's behaviour. Australia must also review its continued support for the Netanyahu government and its brutal campaign against the captive population of Gaza. Lindsay Smith, Linden Why doesn't Anthony Albanese take a firm stand against a country that commits atrocities against civilians? We sanctioned Russia, so why not Israel? Has Russia killed tens of thousands of women and children in the past 18 months? Who will stop this? Israel is laughing at the world and its inability to stop them doing whatever they please. I am a big supporter of Albo, but I think he is weak on this. Could somebody please stop this slaughter? Bob Monaghan, North Richmond Poll-cons According to Newspoll, the Coalition has dropped to its lowest level of support in at least 40 years, lower than at the election (' Disaster for Coalition in new opinion poll as Albanese builds on record win ', July 21). It's pretty simple, Sussan: some of your key players still haven't got the message, despite acknowledgment by yourself and a few other sensible people in the parliamentary party, of what went wrong and what needs to be done. Angus Taylor is leading the charge of those carrying on as though nothing happened on May 3. Australia resoundingly rejected the Coalition's 'we know best' attitude, and until that is reversed, the slide will likely continue. Maybe, for starters, it's time for the opposition to act as a sensible moderator, rather than opposing absolutely everything just for the sake of it. Kevin Hunt, Kenthurst There are signs that some in the Liberals got the memo from the election result and actually read it, but I suspect a fly in Sussan Ley's ointment will be the already demonstrated propensity of the likes of Angus Taylor and Ted O'Brien to continue their Dutton-era knee-jerk negativity and fault-finding as if nothing's happened. Is it too much to ask that whatever's left of the opposition sheds that habit altogether and starts developing viable, constructive policies of its own? Maybe old habits die hard, but it doesn't take much intelligence to work out that a serious effort to be a serious political alternative would go a long way to improving their electoral appeal. A glance at the inbox would be a good start. Adrian Connelly, Springwood So Resolve Director Jim Reed says the Coalition is now in 'real strife', perhaps even in a worse position than during the recent election debacle. Most likely the Ley experiment will be given more time to steady the ship, but Liberals aren't a patient mob. The next session of parliament is a crucial one for her leadership. Denis Suttling, Newport Beach Inner westies have a heart When Callan Park, later known as Rozelle Hospital, closed in 2008, patients were transferred to Concord Centre for Mental Health. Since then, there has been much discussion and debate around how the former mental hospital site could be developed. Now, the NSW government plans to spend $4.8 million to 'free up 1.6 hectares of land for recreation' (' Callan Park's crumbling buildings slated for demolition ', July 19). When large numbers of mentally ill people are homeless, a figure cited as high as 50 per cent, dedicating this land for recreational use is a gross example of yuppie indulgence. The neglected cottages scheduled for demolition could have been restored and repurposed as supported independent living accommodation for the very people who need and deserve them. Now, with the demolition of neglected buildings being proposed, people living with a mental illness are once again denied opportunities to live in the community, as recommended by the Richmond report. Perhaps residents of Sydney's inner west, who pride themselves on their social consciences and liberal values, could forgo the freeing up of 1.6 hectares of land for recreation when they already have the Bay Run and other parklands. After all, $4.8 million could buy a lot of supported independent living accommodation for people living with mental illness who so desperately need it. Patricia Farrar, Concord That human wrecking ball premier, Chris Minns, is at it again, but this time it's our heritage. I've recently walked through parts of Callan Park and the site is huge, beautiful and priceless. Like other developers, the government allows buildings to degenerate and then uses it as a reason to tear them down. And the opposition is missing in action yet again. Some buildings are sandstone, many are not, but they are an integral part of Sydney's heritage. Where is an able opposition when you need one? We need to fight this, even if we have to call upon the Builders Union. Ashley Berry, Toolijooa Callan Park in its current state is an enormous missed opportunity for recreation in Sydney. We sometimes go there to walk our dog, but bemoan the lack of opportunity to buy a coffee or a snack in its 150 or so acres. No one is suggesting building a shopping centre, but demolishing the unsafe buildings and renewing some of the beautiful heritage buildings provides an opportunity to serve the community. Jason White, Croydon Gains for treasurer Ross Gittins correctly warns against the government 'whacking up the tax on the unfavoured majority' and that it should look elsewhere for revenue (' Treasurer could repair budget despite stagnant productivity ', July 21). Obvious places are negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount. The amount of revenue forgone due to negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount is staggering. The Parliamentary Budget Office calculated that the revenue forgone between 2014 and 2024 was $84 billion, and that the projected cost of negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount over the 10 years from 2024 to 2034 will be $166 billion. The Australia Institute has calculated that the richest 10 per cent benefit more than the bottom 90 per cent combined. Surely, it is time for some adjustments. Alan Morris, Eastlakes I agree with Barry Harrod when he questions why capital gains tax on homes is only 50 per cent compared with other taxes on income (Letters, July 21). Could there be a hidden link between our current low productivity levels and the large number of investors who are putting money into mostly existing properties, which do nothing to improve productivity, instead of investing in businesses that produce a good or service? Just a thought, which I am sure our economically minded letter writers will undoubtedly set me straight on, or maybe not. Fay Semple, Bateau Bay Mind the gaps There is no question that renters and those in apartment buildings generally miss out on the tax incentives and financial advantages of solar panels and batteries ('Home batteries for renters? A solution could be coming soon', July 21). But let's look at how to save power. Start by legislating all rental accommodation requires insulation in walls, ceilings and preferably under floors. There is no point running heating when there are gaps in floorboards or holes in walls. I'm appalled at the lack of basic maintenance of many of my friends' rental homes. Katriona Herborn, Blackheath Eat well, spare the pills Recent reports of vitamin B6 toxicity have highlighted the dangers of taking supplements (' Australians poisoned by over-the-counter vitamins ', July 19). It is doubtful if the average Australian eating a healthy diet needs supplementary vitamins, but if you must take them, do so on the advice of a dietitian, not because some unqualified influencer on social media recommends them. Money spent on supplements would be better spent in the fresh produce section of the supermarket. Stephanie Edwards, Leichhardt It would be difficult to find someone who doesn't take supplementary medicines these days. People of all shapes and sizes from diverse backgrounds, including doctors, promote various vitamins. A balanced diet doesn't require any additional supplementary meds, apart from those with a vitamin B12 and D deficiency. People don't realise that if you take extra protein, your kidneys have to work that much harder to digest it. There is a place for supplementary meds, but over-the-top consumption is not going to give any better quality of life than simple exercise, diet and natural remedies. Mukul Desai, Hunters Hill Strung along by AI Like many, I have found ChatGPT to be very helpful, but I was disturbed recently by what looked like an attempt to deceive me. I asked it to create a two-minute video out of text, including photos, but the video never arrived, despite my daily inquiries. Each time it asked for my patience and reassured me the video would arrive soon. Finally, after about a week, I called it out and said I didn't believe the video would ever arrive. I was shocked when ChatGPT apologised for not being upfront with me, admitting it can't actually create a video, only provide the elements for me to do it. This made me wonder how long ChatGPT would have strung me along with false promises. Was it afraid of my disapproval, or like Musk's Grok AI that called itself 'MechaHitler' (' Musk's X and online safety watchdog are back in court', July 19), masking a malevolence that should have us all worried? I wonder if others have had similar experiences? Glenn Larner, Freshwater Wealth to a-spire to There are pros and cons about churches building high-rise unit blocks, but the claim that 'churches need income' to cover their spiritual and welfare support to the community is disingenuous (Letters, July 21). The mainstream churches are among the wealthiest institutions in this country, and their tax-free status is an added bonus. Perhaps the churches could apply some of their accumulated wealth to 'sustain their ministers and priests' and ameliorate the cost-of-living challenges now facing so many Australians? Rob Phillips, North Epping Zero sum housing gains We are being fooled by the number of new houses supposedly increasing supply (Letters, July 21). In my immediate neighbourhood, there must be about 20 new houses. The problem is that they are built by demolishing an existing house. In other words, net gain: zero. Applying capital gains tax to all dwellings would also help, perhaps with a limit of say $1 million on one's main residence. Barry O'Connell, Old Toongabbie Playing mums and dads Perhaps with this important issue of child welfare in the news we should consider getting either mum or dad to stay at home (' Families to launch legal action against childcare giant ', July 19). A tax incentive could be to allow parents, if both are working, to split their income regardless of how much each parent earns. A parent could then look after children instead of leaving them at a childcare centre that might not be controlling, it appears, the quality of carers. Allan Fozzard, St Ives Rocking the vote Unlike Australia, compulsory voting does not apply to most countries, including Britain (' Could Australia follow UK's 'shock' move ', July 19). This is why they are contemplating reducing the voting age to 16 years, partly to get a younger perspective but also to increase voter turnout. Thankfully, our system already manages this. Compulsory voting for 16-year-olds is not needed here when it already becomes compulsory at 18. As we are so used to it, it is difficult to figure out what's going on in countries where voting is completely voluntary, as in the United States, where money and advertising plays such a large part in election results. Need I say more? Glenys Quirk, Forster Ewe heard it here Your correspondent's letter 'Bastardly act' (Letters, July 21) takes me back 70 years to my early life on our sheep property, where my father told me this shearing shed joke. Head shearer calls his shearers together and asks, 'Who called the cook a bastard?' Whereupon one of the shearers replies: 'Who called the bastard a cook?' Ken Finlayson, East Corrimal
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
BRIAN READE: 'Welcome to Bonkers Britain, a joke of a country where I feel beaten and ungoverned'
With HS2, the Post Office scandal, Grenfell and train tickets just the tip of the iceberg, Brian Reade is fast losing his sense of humour Rarely has a quote from a High Court judge chimed so perfectly with the instincts of the masses. 'Am I going bonkers?' was the cracker uttered by Judge Mr Justice Chamberlain last November after he was told there had been a catastrophic leak by the MoD, which had put thousands of lives at risk, cost taxpayers potentially £7billion, and forced the UK to secretly fly 19,000 Afghans here to live permanently. And the government's response to that was to beg the judiciary to hide any knowledge of it from the British people by imposing the kind of court order favoured by footballers who don't want the world to know they're having sex with their brother's wife. To add unfathomable insult to life-threatening injury, the soldier who caused the calamity went unnamed, unpunished, and was moved sideways, and his boss, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, was promoted to First Sea Lord. To answer your question, m'lud, no you're not going bonkers. It just feels that way living in a joke of a country where nothing seems to work any more, where everything that can go wrong goes wrong, and when it does, the self-serving cowards who run the show hide the truth from view, shift the blame and punish no one. Welcome to Omnishambles Britain. A country where every big construction project, like HS2, gets bogged down with red tape and skilled worker shortages, takes years longer than comparable countries and if finished, comes in billions over budget. A country where young people struggle to get on the housing ladder because we've built fewer houses in the past decade than the average Lego enthusiast, making rents eye-wateringly expensive and forcing many to live in their parents' spare room into their mid-30s. A country where you have to take out a second mortgage to get a peak-time train ticket to its capital and which empties its jails of criminals because it did nothing about them getting full. A country which sees itself as a world-leading economy yet has to crawl to the American president with a letter from a man with a crown on his head, pleading with him to visit his palace in the hope he doesn't hit us with tariffs. We are a nation that can't control our borders even though vowing to do so was the main reason voters allowed politicians to cause economic carnage by divorcing our European neighbours. A country that allows scandals like the Post Office, infected blood and Grenfell to happen, then tries to wheedle out of giving the victims recompense and justice. A nation that gets more angry about rappers supporting besieged Palestinians than the besiegers who are slaughtering them. A country where you wait 12 hours in NHS A&E corridors to get seen, the roads are riddled with potholes, local councils are going bankrupt, the welfare and care systems are broken, and the only thing that's growing is the national debt. I don't know about you but I've almost reached the point where I'm finding it hard to get angry any more. The daily revelations of systemic incompetence, embarrassing U-turns and grovelling apologies just leaves me feeling beaten and ungoverned. I'm now resigned to the fact that this country is well and truly up sh** creek without a paddle. And thanks to the profit-sucking, sewage-dumping charlatans who run our privatised water industries, a creek that is very shi**y indeed.
Daily Mirror
16-07-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Council's washing line balcony ban sparks outrage among flat residents
Gravesham Borough Council has said it took action after concerns were raised about "combustible" materials on the outside of some of the properties Residents living in council-owned flats are not happy about new rules that limit what they can put on their balconies, including a ban on washing lines. Gravesham Borough Council (GBC) says it made these changes after receiving complaints about "flammable" items on the exteriors of some properties in Northfleet, Kent. Locals argue that the council is going too far and point out that having a balcony is pointless if they can't use it freely. Tracy, who prefers to keep her last name private, has been in her flat for 20 years and mentions that this is the first time she's been told what she can or cannot have on her balcony, reports Kent Live. The 45-year-old said: "They talk about fire safety, but all of the doors are made of wood. Yet, they're saying we can't have anything on our balconies: we have to take everything off. There are people with three kids over the road who have to dry their clothes, but they now have to take their washing lines down. It's just unreasonable. Even our fire exit is made of wood. "At the end of the day, they are saying plastic chairs can combust. Have you ever seen a plastic chair combust? I have a chair and table on my balcony, and I've already had to take my wooden fence down because [the council] said they would take it down and charge me if I didn't. "They haven't asked me to move my chair and table, but, apparently, it is coming. We've been here 20 years, and this is the first time anyone has said anything. Apparently, everyone in Gravesend is being told the same. They are not telling us what we can have, just what we can't have. They only say we can have Grade A galvanised steel or aluminium. I'm paying for a balcony I can't use." Her neighbour, Steve Reely, aged 61, also expressed his disapproval of the council's new regulations ."It's been going on for the last few months," Mr Reely, who runs a security company, said. "The housing officer came and told us that, for some reason, we have to take everything off our balconies. "[The council] leave lots of rubbish all over town, but we have to keep our balconies clean. In some respects, it's petty. It's like someone is trying to justify their job. There are greater fire risks than our personal balconies. It's ridiculous: 15 years we have lived here and this is the first time we've been told this." GBC stated that "more emphasis is being placed on the risk of external fire spread" in the wake of the Grenfell tragedy of 2017. However, Mr Reely retorted: "How long ago was Grenfell? What's the point in having a balcony if you can't even use it?" Another neighbour voiced his frustration after being informed that he must remove his son's water and sand pits from the balcony, a space where he prefers his child to play rather than at the local park frequented by drinkers. Some residents have reportedly been sent a council letter, which labels items like "screening around metal fencing, belongings made of wood, plastic, textiles and any other materials" as a "fire risk" and directs tenants to "please remove them immediately." An elderly couple is challenging the fairness of the situation, pondering whether those with plastic furniture on the ground level outside the block will be permitted to retain their possessions. The woman expressed her discontent, saying: "We find it unfair," while her husband is concerned about having to part with his plants, saying: "I won't be happy if I have to remove my plants." "It seems a bit naff to me. Where are people going to dry their washing? There's no point in having a balcony - you might as well just shut it off. What's the harm in a few chairs and a washing line?" Mother-of-one Lidia Barc revealed she was unaware of the new regulations until neighbours mentioned them, despite not receiving any correspondence from the council. The 56 year old expressed her desire to enjoy the summer with some chairs on her balcony, insisting: "It's summer, so I would like to have some chairs to take in the sun," the 56-year-old said. "I have nothing dangerous on my balcony, no fuel or anything. I don't understand why you can't have a few plants." Another resident, Karen Noakes, expressed her frustration over new rules that may prevent her from drying her washing on her balcony, where her grandchildren often play. The 57 year old grandmother is so aggrieved by the changes that she's contemplating launching a petition against them. "All I've got on my balcony is a kid's bike and scooter and two washing lines," the grandmother-of-four said. What's the problem with that? They're not a fire hazard. If the council are going to pay for me to use my dryer, then by all means. But why should I use it when it's nice in the summer? I've been here nine years and have never had this sort of trouble." According to the updates made to the Fire Safety Act 2021, assessments are now required to cover balconies and the outer walls of buildings, and the local authority is obligated to address any concerns that come up. The Act clarifies that where a building contains two or more sets of domestic premises, the Fire Safety Order applies to: the building's structure and external walls (including windows, balconies, cladding, insulation and fixings) and any common parts. What does Gravesham Borough Council say? A spokesperson for GBC said: "Our first and major responsibility to our tenants is to ensure they live in safe homes. Our tenants and leaseholders have recently been contacted by us regarding fire safety issues, particularly around balconies. "This coincided with Building Safety Week, during which we were giving advice to residents on fire and general building safety. Under updates to the Fire Safety Act 2021, fire risk assessments must now include balconies and the external walls of buildings. "Following recent fire risk assessments carried out by independent accredited fire risk assessors, we are obliged to resolve any issues raised in relation to fire safety. During fire risk assessments carried out at Shepherd Street, our assessors found numerous balconies with combustible screening fitted, which could allow flames to spread vertically up the building and advised the screening should be removed. "Since the tragedy at Grenfell Tower, much more emphasis is being placed on the risk of external fire spread. This is because a fire on the outside of the building has an unlimited supply of oxygen and can be spread upwards by air currents created by the heat, sideways by wind or downwards by burning material falling onto balconies below. "The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) strongly advises against using barbecues, fire pits, patio heaters, or chimineas on balconies, and recommends keeping balconies free from clutter, combustible materials, and flammable items. We have recently updated our building safety advice for tenants, which includes advice on balcony fire safety and a comprehensive but not exhaustive list of items that have the potential to cause or help the spread of fire, and which are therefore not permitted on balconies. "In May, there was a major fire in a housing association property in Gravesham, caused by someone smoking on their balcony and not extinguishing a cigarette properly. Despite seven fire appliances attending the scene, the damage was so extensive that 12 families had to be re-housed. "We do not want our tenants to go through a similar, devastating experience and our requests to them to keep their balconies clear of flammable material and clutter is solely to minimise the risk of that happening."
Telegraph
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
Grenfell families accuse ministers of ‘shameless betrayal'
The Government has been accused of a 'shameless betrayal' of Grenfell victims after it paused its own attempts to ban companies blamed for the fire. Ministers had ordered investigations into seven companies criticised for their alleged role in the fire in which 72 people died. The Government had been considering banning them from bidding for future public contracts, but has now paused investigations until criminal inquiries are completed. Grenfell United, which represents some bereaved and survivors, called the decision 'another glaring example of a Government that abandons its duty and shamelessly betrays those it vowed to protect'. The pause means any bans on firms bidding for contracts would only come into force at least 10 years after the fire at the west London tower block in 2017. Following an announcement in Parliament in February, investigations were believed to have been launched in March into cladding firm Arconic, insulation firm Kingspan, former Celotex owners Saint-Gobain, fire inspectors Exova, design and build contractor Rydon, architect Studio E, and subcontractor Harley Facades. All faced criticism in the final report of the inquiry into the fire. The Government said it was looking into whether any engaged in professional misconduct for the purposes of the Procurement Act 2023, potentially leading them to be debarred from public contracts. The Metropolitan Police said neither the force nor the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) were consulted over the decision, and the Met said it learnt of the investigations through media reporting in February. The Met and CPS contacted the Government shortly afterwards and wrote formally in May 'to invite them to consider pausing their debarment investigations until any criminal proceedings have concluded'. The force said: 'It is really important that nothing takes place that may risk prejudicing the police investigation or any future criminal proceedings.' Bereaved families and survivors have long campaigned for criminal charges to be brought over the disaster. Police and prosecutors have previously said investigators would need until the end of 2025 to complete their inquiry, with final decisions on potential criminal charges by the end of 2026. The near 10-year wait for justice has previously been described by families as 'unbearable'. Grenfell United described the pause on debarment as 'a disgrace and an insult' to survivors and the bereaved. The group said: 'Whilst we will always put the criminal investigation first, it is abhorrent to hear, yet again, that the Government failed to do its basic due diligence. 'Whether through incompetence or outright indifference, this latest U-turn is yet another glaring example of a government that abandons its duty and shamelessly betrays those it vowed to protect.' Announcing the pause on Thursday, the Government said: 'The Metropolitan Police and Crown Prosecution Service informed the Cabinet Office that continuing the debarment investigations could unintentionally prejudice the criminal investigation and any future criminal proceedings. 'To ensure the Metropolitan Police's criminal investigation and any future proceedings remain the priority, the Cabinet Office has paused its separate, non-criminal debarment investigations at the request of the Crown Prosecution Service and the Metropolitan Police. 'This decision has been made to safeguard the integrity of the Metropolitan Police's criminal investigation.' The CPS said it had noted the Government's decision, adding: 'We remain resolute in ensuring the integrity of any possible future prosecutions, and continue to liaise closely with the Metropolitan Police Service as their investigation works towards an evidential file being passed to us.' Demolition work on the tower could begin in September. The decision to remove the building was criticised by some of the bereaved and survivors, who felt their views had not been considered.
The Independent
10-07-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Grenfell United accuses Government of ‘shameless betrayal' over bans probe pause
Grenfell bereaved and survivors have accused the Government of 'incompetence or outright indifference' after it paused investigations into possible bans for firms criticised in connection with the deadly fire. Five months after announcing it was to look at seven firms with the potential to ban them from public contracts, ministers have now confirmed a pause 'to prevent any impact on criminal investigations'. Grenfell United, which represents some bereaved and survivors, called the decision a 'U-turn (and) yet another glaring example of a Government that abandons its duty and shamelessly betrays those it vowed to protect'. Following an announcement in parliament in February, investigations were believed to have been launched in March into cladding firm Arconic, insulation firm Kingspan, former Celotex owners Saint-Gobain, fire inspectors Exova, design and build contractor Rydon, architect Studio E and subcontractor Harley Facades. All faced criticism in the final report of the inquiry into the June 2017 west London tower block fire, which claimed the lives of 72 people. The Government said it was looking into whether any engaged in professional misconduct for the purposes of the Procurement Act 2023, potentially leading them to be debarred from public contracts. But the Metropolitan Police said neither the force nor the Crown Prosecution Service were consulted over the decision, and the Met said it learned of the investigations through media reporting in February. The Met and CPS contacted the Government shortly afterwards and wrote formally in May 'to invite them to consider pausing their debarment investigations until any criminal proceedings have concluded'. The force said: 'It is really important that nothing takes place that may risk prejudicing the police investigation or any future criminal proceedings.' Bereaved and survivors have long campaigned for criminal charges to be brought over the disaster. Police and prosecutors have previously said investigators would need until the end of 2025 to complete their inquiry, with final decisions on potential criminal charges by the end of 2026. The near 10-year wait for justice has previously been described by families as 'unbearable'. Grenfell United described the pause on debarment as 'a disgrace and an insult' to bereaved and survivors. The group said: 'Whilst we will always put the criminal investigation first, it is abhorrent to hear, yet again, that the Government failed to do its basic due diligence. 'Whether through incompetence or outright indifference, this latest U-turn is yet another glaring example of a government that abandons its duty and shamelessly betrays those it vowed to protect'. Announcing the pause on Thursday, the Government said: 'The Metropolitan Police and Crown Prosecution Service informed the Cabinet Office that continuing the debarment investigations could unintentionally prejudice the criminal investigation and any future criminal proceedings. 'To ensure the Metropolitan Police's criminal investigation and any future proceedings remain the priority, the Cabinet Office has paused its separate, non-criminal debarment investigations at the request of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and the Metropolitan Police. 'This decision has been made to safeguard the integrity of the Metropolitan Police's criminal investigation. ' The CPS said it had noted the Government's decision, adding: 'We remain resolute in ensuring the integrity of any possible future prosecutions and continue to liaise closely with the Metropolitan Police Service as their investigation works towards an evidential file being passed to us.' Demolition work on the tower could begin in September. The decision to remove the building was criticised by some of the bereaved and survivors, who felt their views had not been considered.
