The prime minister and Labour’s leader have marked the third anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire with video messages as part of a virtual service.
Seventy-two people died as a small kitchen fire in the west London tower block turned into the most deadly domestic blaze since World War Two.
Boris Johnson said the country was working to ensure it never happened again.
Sir Keir Starmer pledged to do “everything” to make sure it did not.
Grenfell wasn't a horrible anomaly. It was an extreme manifestation of a society which combines a housing crisis, contempt for working class people, racism to migrants and minorities, and where money is valued over safety and lives. #JusticeForGrenfellpic.twitter.com/gJOYNVU5Fo
— Owen Jones ???? (@OwenJones84) June 14, 2020
The messages will be relayed to a virtual service later as the commemoration moves online due to coronavirus. It will be hosted by the Bishop of Kensington.
In tribute to each person who died, bells of London churches will toll 72 times and green lights will glow from tower block windows.
Mr Johnson said: “We can all remember where we were three years ago today when we saw this tragedy unfolding on our screens and across the London skyline.”
He added: “As a nation, we are still dealing with the consequences of what happened and working to make sure it never happens again.
“While those affected by Grenfell are not able to gather in person, all of us in this country are with you in spirit.”
Join us tonight at 6.00 pm in remembering all the victims of the Grenfell Tower disaster. Our church bell will be tolled 72 times in memory of all who died. @GrenfellUnited #GrenfellNeverAgain @dioceseoflondon pic.twitter.com/iWjr2VIpYO
— St Benet's, Kentish Town (@SaintBenets) June 14, 2020
He added stricter laws on fire safety had been introduced and that the government was working to implement “every recommendation made by the first phase of the public inquiry”.
Labour has estimated 56,000 people were still living in homes wrapped in the same flammable cladding as Grenfell.
“In the midst of their suffering, the Grenfell community came together to campaign for justice, safe homes and change. Because no one should ever go through the loss and pain they experienced,” said Sir Keir.
“But three years on and, unbelievably, tonight people will go to bed in unsafe homes.
“Three years on and there has been little justice or accountability. Three years on their campaign continues.
“I support Grenfell United. We can all learn from their strength and determination.”
Remembering the victims of the #Grenfell tower fire 3 years on – the fight for justice continues. #neverforget #justice4grenfell???? #sunday #memorialday #london pic.twitter.com/4V3W3LPrKI
— LoveMusic HateRacism (@lmhrnational) June 14, 2020
In a written statement, London Mayor Sadiq Khan said he would be relentless in ensuring the Grenfell community get justice and that Londoners would feel safe in their homes.
“While struggling with their own personal grief and recovery, they have continued to campaign for building safety and are demanding change to keep others safe in their homes.”
Conservative MP Theresa May, who was prime minister at the time of the fire, tweeted that Parliament, “must do all we can to help them. Their loved ones must not be forgotten”.
Lyca ????????
#GreenforGrenfell #3YearsOfGrenfell tragedy #RIP #GrenfellTower #Grenfell
The Grenfell Tower fire ???? pic.twitter.com/CVE5gWRfSs— Lyca Radio (@LycaRadio1458) June 14, 2020
