Suggestion that UK fire victims lacked sense draws scorn

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November 05 2019 12:59 AM

Suggestion that UK fire victims lacked sense draws scorn | iNFOnews.ca — FILE - In this file photo dated Wednesday, June 14, 2017, The Grenfell Tower apartment block burns hours after a deadly blaze swept through the high rise apartment block in London. A report is due to be released Wednesday Oct. 30, 2019, following a far reaching inquiry into the deadly apartment block fire. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant, FILE)

Original Publication Date: November 5, 2019 12:59AM

Publication Updated: April 19, 2025 12:43PM

LONDON – A group representing bereaved families of a London apartment block fire that killed 72 people is outraged over comments by a senior member of Britain’s government suggesting the victims lacked common sense for following fire department advice to wait for help.

Grenfell United criticized House of Commons Leader Jacob Rees-Mogg’s comments as “beyond disrespectful.” Rees-Mogg has apologized.

The group, named after the tower bock that caught fire in June 2017, says Rees-Mogg’s comments are “extremely painful and insulting to bereaved families.”

A report last week concluded that fewer people would have died had building been evacuated more quickly.

Inquiry chairman Martin Moore-Bick sharply criticized a fire department policy that led to residents being told to stay in their apartments rather than flee.