Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministerial Statement

Grenfell Tower Annual Report

25 February 2026 · 13 other contributors

Opened by Steve Reed Labour (Co-op) Streatham and Croydon North

HousingStandards & Ethics

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Steve Reed raised concerns about grenfell tower annual report in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Minister acknowledged survivors and relatives from the Grenfell Tower tragedy, expressing the House's deepest sympathies.
  • The Government has accepted all 58 recommendations made by the Grenfell Tower inquiry and is committed to completing them during this Parliament.
  • Progress is being made towards reforming the construction industry, strengthening fire and rescue services, and improving support for vulnerable people.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Government Statement

Steve Reed

The minister acknowledged the presence of survivors and relatives from the Grenfell Tower tragedy, expressing the House's deepest sympathies. He outlined that the Government has accepted all 58 recommendations made by the Grenfell Tower inquiry and is committed to completing them during this Parliament. The minister highlighted progress made towards reforming the construction industry, strengthening fire and rescue services, improving support for vulnerable people, and ensuring better regulatory accountability. Key achievements include the appointment of Lord Roe as Head of Building Safety Regulator (BSR) and the publication of a White Paper on construction products reform aimed at modernising safety standards. The minister also addressed ongoing work to replace unsafe cladding in buildings, with 91% of high-rise residential and public buildings having completed remediation works. He further committed to publishing quarterly progress reports until all recommendations are fully implemented, ensuring transparency throughout the process.

Other contributors (13)
  • Paul Holmes Con Hamble Valley

    Question

    The shadow questioned whether the single construction regulator will be more effective and asked about potential delays in its implementation. He also enquired about a detailed plan for implementing all recommendations, including roadmaps for completing cladding removals on buildings.

    Minister reply

    The minister acknowledged these concerns and stated that while progress is being made, challenges remain. He committed to publishing further details on the timeline for completion of the remaining recommendations and ensuring continuous updates through quarterly public dashboards.

  • Paul Holmes Con Hamble Valley

    Question

    The shadow inquired about key dates for achieving milestones, progress with the Grenfell site, and how the Government is working with victims' families to support them.

    Minister reply

    The minister committed to laying out key dates for completing recommendations and providing updates on the status of the Grenfell site. He also emphasised the importance of collaboration with victims’ families to ensure their needs are met.

  • Paul Holmes Con Hamble Valley

    Question

    The MP thanked the Secretary for the statement, welcomed the formation of a single construction regulator, and questioned whether it would be more effective. He also inquired about progress on remediation and implementation of recommendations.

    Minister reply

    The Minister assured that the Building Safety Regulator has become a standalone body and is working towards becoming the single construction regulator as identified by the inquiry. He reported that 91% of high-rise residential or public buildings with unsafe ACM cladding have been remediated but noted further acceleration plans are available. Quarterly reports will continue to update on progress.

  • Joe Powell Lab Kensington and Bayswater

    Question

    The MP paid tribute to the victims, welcomed the annual report, and inquired about an oversight mechanism for implementing recommendations. He also raised concerns over Kensington and Chelsea council's performance and asked for assurances on completing works at Lancaster West.

    Minister reply

    The Minister thanked the MP and confirmed that work is underway to set up a national oversight mechanism to ensure implementation of inquiry recommendations. Regarding the Lancaster West estate, he mentioned £25 million made available for upgrades but expressed concerns about the council’s delivery capacity. He pledged to broker a solution ensuring residents' interests come first.

  • Gideon Amos Lib Dem Taunton and Wellington

    Question

    The Liberal Democrats’ thoughts, like those of everyone in the House, are primarily on the 72 tragic losses of life that occurred in the Grenfell disaster. The hon. Member welcomes many of the recommendations and actions being taken by the Government but raises concerns about building control functions performed by those with commercial interests and conflicts of interest within the construction product testing system.

    Minister reply

    The Minister for Building Safety, Steve Reed, thanks Gideon Amos for his questions and highlights that the independent panel under Dame Judith Hackitt is due to report shortly on decisions regarding public sector involvement in building control. He encourages MPs to review the White Paper published today which addresses construction product testing.

  • Florence Eshalomi Lab Co-op Vauxhall and Camberwell Green

    Question

    In 109 days, on 14 June, the community will remember those who tragically lost their lives in Grenfell Tower. The hon. Member commends the Government for accepting the 58 recommendations but raises concerns about the national oversight mechanism and calls for full transparency from the government to ensure a lasting and fitting memorial is built with community involvement.

    Minister reply

    The Minister acknowledges the importance of the voices of those affected by the Grenfell disaster and confirms that legislation will be introduced later in the day to support the commission and secure funding for a lasting memorial. He also mentions Awaab’s law as an example of cross-party consensus.

  • Julian Lewis Con New Forest East

    Question

    The hon. Member expresses surprise at the length of time taken by the police to investigate Grenfell and asks for assurance that there is a dedicated unit within the police determined to bring those responsible before the courts.

    Minister reply

    The Minister explains that the investigation is incredibly complex, requiring substantial resources. He assures the House that the government will ensure the Met has the necessary funding to carry out the investigation thoroughly.

  • Dawn Butler Lab Brent East

    Question

    Passing Grenfell every evening on her way home, Dawn Butler expresses concern about the delay in arrests and justice for those affected by the disaster. She asks the Minister to push the Met to move faster.

    Minister reply

    The Minister acknowledges that waiting nine years for justice is painful but important to properly investigate complex cases. He emphasises the need for closure and justice, encouraging the police to progress as quickly as possible.

  • Ashley Fox Con Bridgwater

    Question

    Concerned about the shortage of skilled construction workers in the country, Ashley Fox asks if there are sufficient trained professionals to carry out remedial works within the proposed timescale.

    Minister reply

    The Minister confirms that £600 million was allocated in the most recent Budget for skills training in the construction sector to address this issue and ensure work on Grenfell site and other affected sites can be completed safely.

  • Uma Kumaran Lab Stratford and Bow

    Question

    In her constituency, over 350 households were forced from their homes due to serious structural safety concerns. Uma Kumaran seeks assurances that the new White Paper will strengthen standards for safe and secure housing.

    Minister reply

    The Minister acknowledges the seriousness of the situation in Stratford Halo and emphasises the need for improved building regulations. He highlights the construction products reform White Paper and mentions ongoing work by Dame Judith Hackitt's panel to improve safety.

  • Kirsty Blackman SNP Aberdeen North

    Question

    Urges stakeholders in Scotland to respond to the Scottish Government’s consultation on fire safety guidance and updates to Scottish building standards, citing the Piper Alpha disaster of 1988.

    Minister reply

    Supports the MP's call for all affected stakeholders across the UK to contribute to the inquiry. Acknowledges that tragedies like Grenfell should lead to greater overall fire safety.

  • Marsha de Cordova Lab Battersea

    Question

    Acknowledges the Government’s progress on implementing the Grenfell inquiry recommendations but expresses concern about leaseholders in Battersea facing astronomical service charges for fire safety remediation works, including waking watch costs of £8,000 a week. Asks what support and protections are available for leaseholders.

    Minister reply

    Offers to arrange a meeting between the MP and the fire safety Minister to discuss her concerns. Confirms that the Government published a consultation last year on costs for major works and other charges falling on leaseholders, with findings due to be released later this year.

Shadow Comment

Paul Holmes

The shadow welcomed the minister's statement, acknowledging the avoidable tragedy at Grenfell Tower and the need for a fitting memorial. He noted the Government’s acceptance of all 58 recommendations from the inquiry and welcomed long-overdue reforms such as the creation of a single construction regulator. However, he questioned whether these reforms would effectively prevent future failures. The shadow urged the minister to provide a detailed plan on implementing the recommendations and their current status. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of holding those responsible accountable for their actions, including pursuing criminal charges against developers and contractors who cut corners on building safety.

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