Hundreds gathered for a silent walk to mark the sixth anniversary of the Grenfell blaze which claimed 72 lives.
The west London tower block became a scene of devastation as a blaze ripped through the building with many advised to remain in their homes to wait for help from the emergency services which in some cases never came.
On Wednesday evening, the annual silent walk took place in memory of those who died, with people encouraged to wear green to show they “stand united in the fight for justice”.
Marchers gathered at Notting Hill Methodist church for the event which brings together victims’ groups and gives a platform to those still fighting for justice.
They came together for the solemn protest brandishing banners calling for Justice for Grenfell’ with others highlighing the ongoing impact of the fire on the community. A banner at the head of the march saying ‘United for Grenfell’ epitomised the solidarity of those on their silent tribute.
Thousands joining the #SilentWalk right now in West London #Grenfell 6 years on - never forget pic.twitter.com/FXQiSG9oEK
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Former tower resident Edward Daffarn said: “The kind of frustration that we felt at the lack of change since Grenfell is beginning to really kind of manifest and ferment into kind of anger”. The marchers included members of a string of community and faith groups.
Father Gareth Wardell, of St Clement Church, a short walk from the tower, has supported many victims, including children who suffered trauma and lost all their possessions. He said: “The issue of justice for Grenfell is a key one and people still don’t feel they’ve received it. There’s a sense of waiting until the outcome of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry and any prosecutions that may follow.”
@LFBKenChel including crews first on the scene 6 years ago are greeted by residents of #Grenfell & their loved ones as people of all ages & dogs walk in pin drop silence on memory of the 72 who died & in a quest for justice & change pic.twitter.com/D2ICHz3GrN
— Gregory_ldr (@ldr_gregory) June 14, 2023
On Ladbroke Grove firefighters formed a guard of honour as the marchers passed by. They were hugged by some of the crowd in highly emotional scenes. The marchers included family and friends of those who died in the blaze.
“Seventy-two lives we can never get back. How can we ever give up fighting for justice?” said Yvette Williams, who lives in West Kensington and co-founded the Justice4Grenfell group.
“Today’s anniversary feels significant, it marks 72 months since the fire. Seventy-two months ago, 72 people died, a month for every life lost,” said Natasha Elcock — survivor, bereaved and chair of Grenfell United. “We won’t stop fighting until justice is served.”
Key figures in the disastrous refurbishment at Grenfell Tower are braced for a potentially damning report on the causes of the tragedy.
The Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, cladding manufacturers and the architects behind the refurbishment of the tower are all awaiting the final conclusions of a public inquiry into the 2017 fire.
However, Sir Martin Moore-Bick, chairman of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, is not expected to deliver his findings until next year.
The leader of Kensington and Chelsea council, Elizabeth Campbell, pledged “unwavering commitment” to survivors, the bereaved and local residents. “We will keep listening, keep improving, and keep supporting local people,” she added.
Scotland Yard has interviewed more than 40 people under caution, many on multiple occasions. Officers are examining a series of potential offences including corporate manslaughter, gross negligence manslaughter, fraud, and health and safety breaches. More than 900 people affected by the fire have already received damages after filing civil claims.
