What's Happening?
The Grenfell Tower in London is set to be illuminated at night as it undergoes dismantling, serving as a 'visible reminder' of the tragic fire that occurred in 2017. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) announced that beams
of light will be projected from the tower's corners, with 72 green lights marking anniversaries of the fire. This initiative aims to ensure the tragedy remains in public consciousness as the criminal process continues. The lighting will be operational from 5 PM to 11 PM daily. While some groups, like Grenfell United, support the initiative to keep the memory alive, others criticize it as a 'PR stunt' and argue that it diverts attention from the needs of the victims' families. The dismantling of the tower is expected to take about two years, with plans for a permanent memorial underway.
Why It's Important?
The illumination of Grenfell Tower is significant as it highlights ongoing efforts to remember the 72 victims of the 2017 fire and maintain public awareness of the tragedy. This initiative underscores the importance of addressing the concerns of survivors and bereaved families, who seek justice and accountability. The lighting serves as a symbolic gesture to ensure the event remains in the public eye, potentially influencing the pace and transparency of the criminal investigations. The differing reactions to the lighting plan reflect broader tensions between government actions and the expectations of affected communities, emphasizing the need for sensitive handling of such memorials.
What's Next?
As the dismantling of Grenfell Tower progresses, the government plans to engage with local residents and stakeholders to ensure the process is conducted with care and sensitivity. The installation of the lights is part of a broader effort to create a permanent memorial, which will require further consultation with the community. The ongoing criminal investigations related to the fire are expected to continue, with the lighting serving as a reminder of the need for justice. The government will need to balance the memorialization efforts with addressing the demands of the victims' families for transparency and accountability.
