Media reports suggest Grenfell Tower could be removed

Media reports indicate that the UK government may proceed with the deconstruction of Grenfell Tower, according to statements from bereaved families and survivors.

The Guardian and Reuters, among other news outlets, reported that Angela Rayner, the UK’s deputy prime minister and housing secretary, met with affected families on Wednesday evening and suggested the tower would have to be taken down.

Grenfell Next of Kin, a group representing relatives of nearly half of those who died in the fire, stated that Rayner announced this decision during the meeting.

Further details are expected from the government later this week.

The government had previously stated that no changes to the site would take place before the eighth anniversary of the fire, which killed 72 people in June 2017.

Bereaved families and survivors raise concerns

Some families and survivor groups have raised concerns about the reported decision.

Grenfell United, which represents some of those affected, said the voices of bereaved families had not been properly considered.

“We’ve said this to every secretary of state for housing since the very beginning: consult the bereaved and survivors meaningfully before reaching a decision on the tower,” Grenfell United said.

Grenfell Next of Kin acknowledged the structural challenges but expressed disappointment, stating: “Do we wish the whole tower could stand forever? Yes. Is that an option? Not from a structural point of view.”

Ongoing inquiry and legal proceedings

The Grenfell Tower Inquiry, which published its final report in 2024, found that the fire resulted from systemic failures by the government and construction industry.

The report concluded that flammable materials installed on the building’s exterior contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.

Inquiry chair Sir Martin Moore-Bick stated that those who lived in the tower were “badly failed” by authorities, with some failings attributed to incompetence and others to dishonesty and financial motives.

The UK’s Crown Prosecution Service and police have stated that their investigations will continue until the end of 2025, with final decisions on potential criminal charges expected by late 2026.

Plans for a permanent memorial

The Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission has been consulting on proposals for a permanent memorial at the site.

A 2023 report recommended a “sacred space” for remembrance and reflection.

A shortlist of five potential designs for the memorial was confirmed in January 2025.

The commission expects a final design to be selected in 2026, with a planning application submitted later that year.

The commission has stated that if the tower is dismantled, it should be done “with care and respect.”

Reports indicate Grenfell Tower may be dismantled after government discussions: Summary

Media reports suggest that the UK government may be planning to dismantle Grenfell Tower, following discussions with bereaved families and survivors.

According to Grenfell Next of Kin, Angela Rayner stated in a meeting that the tower would have to be taken down, though no formal confirmation has been issued.

Further details from the government are expected later this week.

Survivor groups, including Grenfell United, have criticised the reported decision, stating that the bereaved were not meaningfully consulted.

Grenfell Next of Kin acknowledged structural concerns but expressed disappointment that the tower could not remain standing.

The Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s final report in 2024 attributed the fire to systemic failings by the government and construction industry.

Legal investigations remain ongoing, with potential criminal charges expected by late 2026.

The Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission is developing plans for a permanent memorial, with a final design expected in 2026.

If the tower is removed, the commission has stated that the process should be carried out with care and respect.