The waves of excitement brought by Labour’s gains in the general election was short-lived. Reality hit in Grenfell Tower. Home to hundreds of people and with 23 floors there were no sprinklers, emergency exits or fire safety measures. Many suspect hundreds to have perished in their own homes, in one of the richest boroughs in the UK. The council used the highly flammable (but pretty) cladding in its exterior, perhaps to appease locals on their post latte strolls. Architects of the building that housed hundreds of people failed to ensure fire safety measures that protected residents. Resident complaints over the looming dangers due to lack of sprinklers by residents fell on deaf ears.
In a blog titled, ‘Playing with Fire’ members of the Grenfell Action Group expressed their concerns months prior to the tragedy:
“It is a truly terrifying thought but the Grenfell Action Group firmly believe that only a catastrophic event will expose the ineptitude and incompetence of our landlord, the KCTMO, and bring an end to the dangerous living conditions and neglect of health and safety legislation that inflict upon their tenants and leaseholders.”
It is this sense of neglect felt among residents that prompted many to raise questions directly at the council. Perhaps the residents in Grenfell tower were simply a nuisance to the authorities at Kensington and Chelsea council, troublemakers, bad for tourists on a mission to see that famous “blue door.” The maybe if we ignore them, they’ll leave social housing policy was exposed in Her Majesty’s capital. Its consequences? Lethal.
A Tale of Two Cities
There are two sides to most boroughs, the ones kindly hosting the Troublemakers and the Polite. In the most tragic circumstances, Kensington and Chelsea Borough has perhaps become the prime example. Home to bankers, politicians, members of the royal family, wealthy celebrities and then the other side. Home to the marginalised; the working-class, immigrants and their troubled “potential jihadi” children, whom many argue are equally marginalised. Reminiscent of ABC’s TV Series Lost, for some they are equivalent to “The Others.” Untamed people of the wild, not part of the main island who need to be kept out at all costs. Though not quite the same island, the attitudes in many Boroughs in Her Majesty’s capital – including Kensington and Chelsea – reiterates the attitude that led to the Grenfell tragedy. The stigma surrounding towers throughout London echoes the council’s actions and their increasingly defensive stance. One must question how valuable are the residents of Grenfell tower and the surrounding areas? But so long as the exterior maintained its sleek shine, all is well in Notting Hill.
Tips for “The Others” entering new trendy local cafes: Always smile, ignore the stares, keep hands out of pockets, ask for a receipt and more importantly always order Soya milk.
It’s the connection, stupid
Theresa May’s reaction (or lack of) adds to long-held views of negligence held by Grenfell’s residents. Preoccupied by her own Catch-22, the ‘should I go or should I stay’ dilemma was interrupted. Like a bland yet rehearsed performance ‘Cruella De Vil’ appeared on site, only meeting the fire brigade. True to her character she avoided meeting the community, including survivors and family members frantically searching for their loved ones. But who can blame her? Much of Grenfell Tower’s residents were refugees and immigrants Cruella had worked so hard to prevent entering the country as Home Secretary. “The Others.” Unfortunately, Cruella struggles with words beyond the only three in her vocabulary: Strong, stable and Brexit. Meaningful words of solace for survivors and the victims’ families and assurance to thousands living in tower blocks proved to be difficult. The lady who had once warned her party of their reputation as ‘The nasty party’ struggled to follow her own advice. Although the mainstream media kindly reminded viewers of Cruella’s heart (deep down) as she “held the hand of a grieving family member.” Perhaps she is shy. Contrary to her demeanour, Jeremy Corbyn the “unelectable” leader entered the community centre as their leader, comforting survivors and families living in horror.
Tips for Cruella: Must visit victims of a tragedy (and not only when pressured), try and avoid hypocrisy by meeting the fire brigade (who could have done a better job, had there been no austerity). If possible try and comfort, perhaps even a hug.
What now for “The Others”?
The quest for justice was widespread in the aftermath of the tragedy, where hundreds protested outside Kensington and Chelsea council, including families of victims, survivors and members of the public. A small group marched from the towers to the town hall. Protestors walking on the main road were met with high-fiving bus drivers to cyclists and pedestrians who joined the march. The strong sense of solidarity has remained as the community continue to actively support one another filling the gaps avoided by the authorities.
Over a month after the tragedy, its daily reminder is still on display bringing trauma to a community that predicted its fate. As grief turns to determination the Grenfell Action Group’s prediction that “those who wield power at the KCTMO will be found out and brought to justice” continues to haunt authorities. Following this tragedy hundreds of towers have failed government fire safety tests, with Camden council conducting emergency evacuations and hundreds of residents sleeping in halls. All in Her Majesty’s capital. It has led many to question how thousands throughout the country have been living under such conditions in Great Britain.
Zara Tewolde-Berhan 