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Grenfell Tower fire: Theresa May to visit victims in hospital while Queen visits scene – latest updates Grenfell Tower fire: Theresa May to visit victims in hospital while Queen visits scene – latest updates
(35 minutes later)
11.41am BST
11:41
Here’s confirmation of the Queen meeting residents before Theresa May managed to do so.
The Queen and The Duke are meeting members of the emergency services, as well as local residents and community representatives. pic.twitter.com/Mx9ZaVNSU7
The Queen and Duke of Cambridge are talking to firefighters outside the Westway sports centre #Grenfell pic.twitter.com/TP37zdjlX2
Theresa May continues to face criticism for her handling of the aftermath of the fire.
So Corbyn met the victims. Sadiq Khan met the victims. The Queen has met the victims. But the PM sent Andrea Leadsom instead? Just unreal https://t.co/jEqb7XrbNk
The Queen has just arrived at the relief centre to meet those affected so I think the "security fears" argument for May is rather redundant
The Queen & Prince William look pretty safe & secure to me right now Ms May. #GrenfellTower #LondonFire
Updated
at 11.45am BST
11.34am BST
11:34
David Pegg
The Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has called for homes to be “requisitioned if necessary” in order to house those left homeless by the Grenfell Tower disaster. He also condemned the practice of buy-to-leave.
“It is hardly acceptable that in London you have luxury buildings and luxury flats kept empty, as land banks for the future, while the homeless and the poor look for somewhere to live,” he said.
Kensington and Chelsea has more empty properties than any other borough in the capital, government figures indicate.
Data on occupied and vacant housing stock from the Department of Communities and Local Government shows that 1,399 dwellings in the borough were long-term vacant as of last year.
With a total of 86,920 dwellings, that amounts to about 1.61% of all dwellings.This figure refers to ‘long-term vacant’ properties, meaning they have been empty for more than six months, and so it excludes properties that might be between sales or temporarily unoccupied.
Kensington and Chelsea, one of the richest boroughs in the country, imposes an “empty homes premium” of an extra 50% on the council tax payable for uninhabited properties.The second highest proportion of empty homes was in Camden, where 1,114 homes, or 1.09% of the total, were long-term vacant. In Hackney, the figure was 1,046, or 0.97%.
Reasons for homes being left empty are often complex. In some instances the home will have fallen into such a state of disrepair that renovating it is too expensive for the owner. In other instances it can be as a result of “buy to leave”, whereby investors acquire property solely as an asset that will appreciate thanks to London’s booming property market.
There are an array of other measures councils can take to reduce vacant housing stock, such as financing the renovation of decrepit properties, and even mechanisms to force landlords to return properties to use. But some are so complicated that they are “ignored” or not used.
Last year the Guardian established that more than 8,500 homes across the capital had been empty for more than two years. 1,100 had been left empty for more than a decade.
11.26am BST
11:26
Sarah Marsh
These are the top “how to help” questions being asked on Google.
"How to help London fire victims?" - London fire: top UK questions on helping in the last 24 hours pic.twitter.com/BIJJNx0Bn8
Here are the answers:
How to help London fire victims?
Many have given food and clothes, writing messages of support and donating to various fundraising websites. But volunteers are struggling to cope with the amount of physical donations, and have suggest cash donations would be more helpful.
Thanks to everyone tweeting and asking to help!❤ Pls hold off on donations for now. All centres are currently full. #Grenfell #GrenfellTower pic.twitter.com/pv6AlQs44G
How to donate to London fire victims?Donation drop-off points have received a huge number of items. Please check what’s needed before heading to chosen collection points. Donation centres within the Grenfell area are particularly inundated with donations. Harrow Club urged people to stop sending donations.
Thankyou for the amazing donations but to reiterate we cannot take anymore from you generous people. We will update should that change ✌
The Rugby Portobello Trust said it could not accept donations at this time as they need to sort and distribute what they have so far. They also said they do not require volunteers at this time.
An independent website has been set up to share information in relation to Grenfell. The site includes a full list of where you can donate. It also says whether these sites are collecting or not.
Where to donate clothes for fire victims?
The sites still collecting clothes include the Central Gurdwara (The Big Sikh Temple) and Corpus Christi College JCR on Merton Street, Oxford. However, many other places already have enough clothes and have asked for no more.
What to donate to the fire victims?
Check first, but items that may be helpful include:
Nappies
Baby food and formula
Hijabs
Clothes
Toothbrushes and toiletries (making up care packs would be great)
Phone chargers
Hot meals
Blankets
Water
Sanitary towels
Alternatively you can make a cash donation to a new Red Cross appeal.
How to donate to firefighters?
Various websites are calling for donations, including this JustGiving one specifically for firefighters.
Updated
at 11.42am BST
11.10am BST11.10am BST
11:1011:10
The Queen arrived with her grandson the Duke of Cambridge at a rest centre helping those affected by the Grenfell Tower fire.The Queen arrived with her grandson the Duke of Cambridge at a rest centre helping those affected by the Grenfell Tower fire.
They are meeting volunteers, local residents and community representatives at the Westway Sports Centre, near the charred remains of the building in west London.They are meeting volunteers, local residents and community representatives at the Westway Sports Centre, near the charred remains of the building in west London.
On Thursday the Queen paid tribute to the “bravery” of firefighters who battled the fire and praised the “incredible generosity” of volunteers offering their support.On Thursday the Queen paid tribute to the “bravery” of firefighters who battled the fire and praised the “incredible generosity” of volunteers offering their support.
Earlier Communities Secretary Sajid Javid also visited the centre after pledging to meet residents. Earlier the communities secretary, Sajid Javid, also visited the centre after pledging to meet residents.
Updated
at 11.26am BST
11.02am BST11.02am BST
11:0211:02
Queen visits the sceneQueen visits the scene
The Queen looks set to beat the prime minister in meeting some of the victims.The Queen looks set to beat the prime minister in meeting some of the victims.
She has arrived at the scene and has begun talking to volunteers and members of the emergency services at Westway sports centre.She has arrived at the scene and has begun talking to volunteers and members of the emergency services at Westway sports centre.
The Queen’s visit challenges Downing Street’s line that the prime minister couldn’t meet some of those involved because of security concerns.The Queen’s visit challenges Downing Street’s line that the prime minister couldn’t meet some of those involved because of security concerns.
It has been confirmed that Theresa May will visit some of the victims in hospital later today.It has been confirmed that Theresa May will visit some of the victims in hospital later today.
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.12am BSTat 11.12am BST
10.55am BST10.55am BST
10:5510:55
Jamie GriersonJamie Grierson
Sawsan Choucair is missing six members of her family who all lived on the 22nd floor of Grenfell Tower.Sawsan Choucair is missing six members of her family who all lived on the 22nd floor of Grenfell Tower.
She stood at the tribute wall at Latymer community church, talking to as many reporters as she can. Choucair said she is “devastated” and is desperate for information from the authorities, which she said has been lacking to non-existent.She stood at the tribute wall at Latymer community church, talking to as many reporters as she can. Choucair said she is “devastated” and is desperate for information from the authorities, which she said has been lacking to non-existent.
She is missing her mother Sirria; her sister Nadir; her brother-in-law Bassem; her 14-year-old niece Mirena; her 11-year-old niece Fatima and her three-year-old niece Zienab.She is missing her mother Sirria; her sister Nadir; her brother-in-law Bassem; her 14-year-old niece Mirena; her 11-year-old niece Fatima and her three-year-old niece Zienab.
Choucair lived on a lower floor in the tower but was at a friend’s home when the fire broke out. “I was panicking, shaking when I found out,” she said.Choucair lived on a lower floor in the tower but was at a friend’s home when the fire broke out. “I was panicking, shaking when I found out,” she said.
We don’t have any information. No one is giving us information. We all need people to inform us. We’re just hoping we get information. The only people helping are the media who are interviewing me. I’m not here to blame anyone, my main concern is my family.We don’t have any information. No one is giving us information. We all need people to inform us. We’re just hoping we get information. The only people helping are the media who are interviewing me. I’m not here to blame anyone, my main concern is my family.
Choucair said despite facing the worst possible scenario, “I still have some hope”. Posters of her missing loved ones have been plastered on the church and at other key venues around the cordon.Choucair said despite facing the worst possible scenario, “I still have some hope”. Posters of her missing loved ones have been plastered on the church and at other key venues around the cordon.
This is Sawsan Choucair. Her mum, sister, brother in law and three nieces are missing. They all lived on 22nd floor. pic.twitter.com/ZLmNvhW4DPThis is Sawsan Choucair. Her mum, sister, brother in law and three nieces are missing. They all lived on 22nd floor. pic.twitter.com/ZLmNvhW4DP
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.01am BSTat 11.01am BST
10.51am BST10.51am BST
10:5110:51
PM to visit victims in hospitalPM to visit victims in hospital
The BBC reports that Theresa May plans to visit some of those injured in the blaze on a hospital visit this morning.The BBC reports that Theresa May plans to visit some of those injured in the blaze on a hospital visit this morning.
The report comes after mounting criticism of the prime minister for her failure to meet residents during her low-key visit to the scene on Thursday.The report comes after mounting criticism of the prime minister for her failure to meet residents during her low-key visit to the scene on Thursday.
The Prime Minister is going to visit the injured from the tower block fire in hospital this morning.The Prime Minister is going to visit the injured from the tower block fire in hospital this morning.
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.01am BSTat 11.01am BST
10.41am BST10.41am BST
10:4110:41
Leadsom heckledLeadsom heckled
Leader of the House of Commons Andrea Leadsom was heckled and challenged by residents as she visited the scene today. The leader of the House of Commons, Andrea Leadsom, was heckled and challenged by residents as she visited the scene today.
She was being interviewed by Sky News about why Theresa May failed to meet residents on her visit. A man then shouted: “Meet the victims.”She was being interviewed by Sky News about why Theresa May failed to meet residents on her visit. A man then shouted: “Meet the victims.”
The man praised Jeremy Corbyn and Sadiq Khan for talking to residents on Thursday.The man praised Jeremy Corbyn and Sadiq Khan for talking to residents on Thursday.
He added: “You know this could have been stopped, a long, long time ago. There is basic stuff, there’s not even sprinklers in there … we want answers now. Nothing has been done.” He added: “You know this could have been stopped, a long, long time ago. There is basic stuff, there’s not even sprinklers in there. That could have cost £200,000. They had £10m to spend, they spent £8.6m where is the rest of the money .. We want answers now. Nothing has been done.”
Another man challenged her about the government’s failure to act on warnings after the 2009 fire at Lakanal House.Another man challenged her about the government’s failure to act on warnings after the 2009 fire at Lakanal House.
Leadsom said she understood the anger. She said “the prime minister is trying to get a grip on this”.Leadsom said she understood the anger. She said “the prime minister is trying to get a grip on this”.
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.45am BST at 11.51am BST
10.24am BST10.24am BST
10:2410:24
Kate ConnollyKate Connolly
A serious fire in an empty Frankfurt high rise in 2012 where the polystyrene content in the cladding was seen as having exacerbated the blaze led to the fire brigade there starting a documentation of similar fires involving the same cladding across Germany.A serious fire in an empty Frankfurt high rise in 2012 where the polystyrene content in the cladding was seen as having exacerbated the blaze led to the fire brigade there starting a documentation of similar fires involving the same cladding across Germany.
The resulting 30-page document is incomplete because fire brigades were not obliged to participate, but between 2001 and 2017, 100 such fires were documented.The resulting 30-page document is incomplete because fire brigades were not obliged to participate, but between 2001 and 2017, 100 such fires were documented.
On 24 December 2005, there was a fire in Cologne on the second floor of a tower block that had started in a flat and quickly spread to the cladding. The strong smoke fumes killed four people living two floors above, and one person living in the flat.On 24 December 2005, there was a fire in Cologne on the second floor of a tower block that had started in a flat and quickly spread to the cladding. The strong smoke fumes killed four people living two floors above, and one person living in the flat.
The use of a material called HBCD, which had typically been used for cladding in combination with polystyrene to make it less flammable, was banned in Germany more or less outright in the spring of 2016 because of the poisonous dioxin fumes that are emitted when it burns.The use of a material called HBCD, which had typically been used for cladding in combination with polystyrene to make it less flammable, was banned in Germany more or less outright in the spring of 2016 because of the poisonous dioxin fumes that are emitted when it burns.
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.48am BSTat 10.48am BST
10.10am BST10.10am BST
10:1010:10
Survivor Christos Fairbairn has told of how he tripped over bodies after he escaped from the 14th floor. He told the BBC:Survivor Christos Fairbairn has told of how he tripped over bodies after he escaped from the 14th floor. He told the BBC:
I could feel myself tripping over in the dark. I was tripping over bodies. On one of the floors I tripped badly and fell, as I looked up I saw the face of a dead man.I could feel myself tripping over in the dark. I was tripping over bodies. On one of the floors I tripped badly and fell, as I looked up I saw the face of a dead man.
I can still picture him now.I can still picture him now.
As I got to the third or fourth floor I was choking and couldn’t breathe. I started to feel faint. I collapsed and that’s when I felt a firefighter grab me.As I got to the third or fourth floor I was choking and couldn’t breathe. I started to feel faint. I collapsed and that’s when I felt a firefighter grab me.
I went to hospital and was treated for smoke inhalation. I had so much poison in my lungs. I was crying and having flashbacks.I went to hospital and was treated for smoke inhalation. I had so much poison in my lungs. I was crying and having flashbacks.
Now I am left with nothing and have nowhere to live. But the council have paid for a room for me in Earl’s Court in London where I am staying now.Now I am left with nothing and have nowhere to live. But the council have paid for a room for me in Earl’s Court in London where I am staying now.
How I escaped the #GrenfellTower firehttps://t.co/zQG58JN3pt pic.twitter.com/qZW5k4uOTAHow I escaped the #GrenfellTower firehttps://t.co/zQG58JN3pt pic.twitter.com/qZW5k4uOTA
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.49am BSTat 10.49am BST
10.06am BST10.06am BST
10:0610:06
Kate ConnollyKate Connolly
Berlin’s fire chief is calling on tighter fire regulations as a result of the London fire for tower blocks as well as other types of housing. Wilfried Gräfling said in future only mineral materials should be permissible for the cladding of buildings.Berlin’s fire chief is calling on tighter fire regulations as a result of the London fire for tower blocks as well as other types of housing. Wilfried Gräfling said in future only mineral materials should be permissible for the cladding of buildings.
“We will try to persuade lawmakers that flammable material should no longer be allowed to be used as an insulant, only mineral material that can’t burn, ensuring that it’s no longer possible for a fire to spread via the cladding,” he told Der Spiegel.“We will try to persuade lawmakers that flammable material should no longer be allowed to be used as an insulant, only mineral material that can’t burn, ensuring that it’s no longer possible for a fire to spread via the cladding,” he told Der Spiegel.
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.50am BSTat 10.50am BST
9.57am BST9.57am BST
09:5709:57
Twelve people still in critical careTwelve people still in critical care
The latest figures from NHS England show that 24 people are still being treated in hospitals across London, of whom 12 remain in critical care.The latest figures from NHS England show that 24 people are still being treated in hospitals across London, of whom 12 remain in critical care.
9.53am BST9.53am BST
09:5309:53
Kate ConnollyKate Connolly
The German authorities have been saying that a fire like Grenfell Tower could not happen in Germany.The German authorities have been saying that a fire like Grenfell Tower could not happen in Germany.
The head of Frankfurt’s fire service has been particularly vocal in saying that he’s appalled about the London fire, and that tight guidelines governing the fire safety of tower blocks in Germany mean such a fire could not happen there.The head of Frankfurt’s fire service has been particularly vocal in saying that he’s appalled about the London fire, and that tight guidelines governing the fire safety of tower blocks in Germany mean such a fire could not happen there.
Germany is deemed to have the tightest fire regulations for tower blocks of any European country.Germany is deemed to have the tightest fire regulations for tower blocks of any European country.
There are thousands such blocks in Germany, particularly in ex-communist parts of the country where they were the commonest form of housing for decades. In cities like Berlin they have once again become fashionable places to live particularly due to a growing housing shortage and a rise in the cost of real estate.There are thousands such blocks in Germany, particularly in ex-communist parts of the country where they were the commonest form of housing for decades. In cities like Berlin they have once again become fashionable places to live particularly due to a growing housing shortage and a rise in the cost of real estate.
According to the guidelines introduced in the 1980s, the type of cladding used at Grenfell Tower is not allowed on buildings higher than 22 metres in Germany.According to the guidelines introduced in the 1980s, the type of cladding used at Grenfell Tower is not allowed on buildings higher than 22 metres in Germany.
Reinhard Ries, Frankfurt’s fire chief, has said that other European countries “used to laugh at Germany for this”, but he added: “I think we can almost be a little bit proud of this.”Reinhard Ries, Frankfurt’s fire chief, has said that other European countries “used to laugh at Germany for this”, but he added: “I think we can almost be a little bit proud of this.”
He said that 22 metres was the limit, because a fire brigade’s turntable ladders cannot go higher than that.He said that 22 metres was the limit, because a fire brigade’s turntable ladders cannot go higher than that.
Above that height, people have to be able to escape via so-called safety stairs, which are separate from the rest of the tower block structure, he said.Above that height, people have to be able to escape via so-called safety stairs, which are separate from the rest of the tower block structure, he said.
A spokesman for the Berlin fire service, Thomas Kirstein, said there also had to be an internal firefighters’ lift so that the fire brigade could effectively fight the fire from inside the building. This enables the fire brigade to get to one floor beneath a fire and from there they can tackle it better. Next to the firefighters’ lift is a room where hose pipes can be connected to the water supply.A spokesman for the Berlin fire service, Thomas Kirstein, said there also had to be an internal firefighters’ lift so that the fire brigade could effectively fight the fire from inside the building. This enables the fire brigade to get to one floor beneath a fire and from there they can tackle it better. Next to the firefighters’ lift is a room where hose pipes can be connected to the water supply.
Following the London fire, the Association for the Promotion of German Fire Safety (Vfdb) has ordered the renewed inspection of all buildings in Germany, whether tower blocks or other types, that are over a certain age.Following the London fire, the Association for the Promotion of German Fire Safety (Vfdb) has ordered the renewed inspection of all buildings in Germany, whether tower blocks or other types, that are over a certain age.
Many of these, they say, are not fitted with sprinkler systems or firefighting equipment. The association has also called for unified international standards governing fire safety in buildings.Many of these, they say, are not fitted with sprinkler systems or firefighting equipment. The association has also called for unified international standards governing fire safety in buildings.
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.04am BSTat 10.04am BST
9.39am BST9.39am BST
09:3909:39
Sarah MarshSarah Marsh
Thousands of people have signed a petition to get the family of two Syrian refugees affected by the Grenfell fire to the UK.Thousands of people have signed a petition to get the family of two Syrian refugees affected by the Grenfell fire to the UK.
Mohammed Alhajali, 24, an engineering student who fled Syria three years ago, was the first victim to be identified. He died in the blaze, while his older brother Omar, 25, was taken to hospital after escaping.Mohammed Alhajali, 24, an engineering student who fled Syria three years ago, was the first victim to be identified. He died in the blaze, while his older brother Omar, 25, was taken to hospital after escaping.
An online petition is now calling for the government to grant an emergency visa to allow the brother’s parents to come to UK to attend Mohammad’s funeral and visit Omar in hospital.An online petition is now calling for the government to grant an emergency visa to allow the brother’s parents to come to UK to attend Mohammad’s funeral and visit Omar in hospital.
The brothers, along with other members of their family reportedly came to Britain from southern Syria three years ago and were given asylum in Britain. The petition page said Mohammed’s last words to his brother were: “The smoke is getting in, the smoke is getting in, we are going to die, we are going to die.”The brothers, along with other members of their family reportedly came to Britain from southern Syria three years ago and were given asylum in Britain. The petition page said Mohammed’s last words to his brother were: “The smoke is getting in, the smoke is getting in, we are going to die, we are going to die.”
The page, set up by Mirna Ayoubi, reads: “His parents have applied for an emergency visa to visit Omar their son in hospital and attend their son Mohammad’s funeral. Please help us collect as many signatures as possible to get them to the UK.”The page, set up by Mirna Ayoubi, reads: “His parents have applied for an emergency visa to visit Omar their son in hospital and attend their son Mohammad’s funeral. Please help us collect as many signatures as possible to get them to the UK.”
Over 4,000 supporters from around the world have already signed to show their support, leaving dozens of messages.Over 4,000 supporters from around the world have already signed to show their support, leaving dozens of messages.
Syria Solidarity Campaign director Kareen El Beyrouty has launched a campaign towards funeral costs.Syria Solidarity Campaign director Kareen El Beyrouty has launched a campaign towards funeral costs.
The appeal said: “Mohammed Alhajali undertook a dangerous journey to flee war in Syria, only to meet death here in the UK, in his own home. His dream was to be able to go back home one day and rebuild Syria.”The appeal said: “Mohammed Alhajali undertook a dangerous journey to flee war in Syria, only to meet death here in the UK, in his own home. His dream was to be able to go back home one day and rebuild Syria.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.05am BSTat 11.05am BST
9.34am BST9.34am BST
09:3409:34
The London fire brigade continues to use sniffer dogs and drones to search the burnt-out and unstable Grenfell Tower.The London fire brigade continues to use sniffer dogs and drones to search the burnt-out and unstable Grenfell Tower.
On Thursday, fire commissioner Dany Cotton said a full search could not take place until firefighters and the local authority had built structures to shore up the tower so it was safe to enter.On Thursday, fire commissioner Dany Cotton said a full search could not take place until firefighters and the local authority had built structures to shore up the tower so it was safe to enter.
A drone courtesy of @kentfirerescue & specialist search dogs are all part of our operations with @metpoliceuk at #GrenfellTower #999Family pic.twitter.com/3bCWXYmWvCA drone courtesy of @kentfirerescue & specialist search dogs are all part of our operations with @metpoliceuk at #GrenfellTower #999Family pic.twitter.com/3bCWXYmWvC
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.04am BSTat 10.04am BST
9.27am BST9.27am BST
09:2709:27
More than 70 people are believed to be unaccounted for since the blaze, according to the Press Associaiton.More than 70 people are believed to be unaccounted for since the blaze, according to the Press Associaiton.
Six bodies have been recovered from the gutted 24-storey tower, while 11 have been located inside but cannot yet be removed.Six bodies have been recovered from the gutted 24-storey tower, while 11 have been located inside but cannot yet be removed.
Metropolitan police commander Stuart Cundy responded to speculation that the number of dead could exceed 100, saying: “For those of us that have been down there, it’s pretty emotional, so I hope it is not triple figures, but I can’t be drawn on the numbers.”Metropolitan police commander Stuart Cundy responded to speculation that the number of dead could exceed 100, saying: “For those of us that have been down there, it’s pretty emotional, so I hope it is not triple figures, but I can’t be drawn on the numbers.”
More appeals were put up overnight on Thursday as relatives became increasingly distraught about their loved ones.More appeals were put up overnight on Thursday as relatives became increasingly distraught about their loved ones.
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.05am BSTat 10.05am BST