Former housing secretary Michael Gove has voiced his frustration over the lack of accountability from firms linked to the Grenfell Tower tragedy, highlighting international challenges in seeking justice.
- Gove’s attempts to make Arconic, Celotex, and Kingspan accountable were stymied by foreign governments and the UK Treasury.
- Regulatory improvements have been made, but Gove emphasises they fall short without corporate accountability.
- Despite efforts, companies have evaded responsibility, with Gove critical of both international and domestic bureaucratic obstacles.
- Gove calls for stronger action and hopes for continued pursuit of justice by the Crown Prosecution Service and Metropolitan Police.
In the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017, which tragically claimed 72 lives, former housing secretary Michael Gove has criticised the lack of accountability from companies responsible for providing unsafe cladding materials. He specifically identified Arconic, Celotex, and Kingspan, insisting that their culpability remains unaddressed due to governmental and bureaucratic obstacles.
Gove noted his efforts to compel these companies to contribute to remediation costs and compensate victims. However, these attempts were thwarted not only by the French and Irish governments but also by the restrictive stance of the UK Treasury. Despite introducing new building safety regulations and enhancing tenants’ rights, Gove admitted these measures are insufficient as long as the responsible corporations evade justice.
An article in the Sunday Times by Gove elucidates the legislative progress made since the Grenfell disaster. Although significant improvements have been implemented, including stronger laws for building safety and tenant rights, Gove argues that true justice remains elusive without corporate accountability. He stressed the need for a comprehensive reckoning with the manufacturers of the cladding materials and their lack of contrition or restitution.
Gove’s criticism extends to the broader political landscape. He highlighted the limited jurisdiction over foreign-based companies like Kingspan in Ireland and Celotex in France. His calls for action faced bureaucratic inertia both abroad and at home, depicting the challenges in mobilising cohesive international efforts. Gove described interactions with the Irish government as fruitless and French responses as dismissive, encapsulating the diplomatic hurdles.
Efforts to isolate these companies commercially involved collaboration with Grenfell United. Actions included persuading prominent organisations like Mercedes-Benz and Ulster Rugby to dissociate from Kingspan. Furthermore, Gove initiated a recovery strategy to alert investors and apply pressure on these firms’ networks. Despite some progress, a general election disrupted momentum.
Gove expressed concern that current government priorities might deter robust action against these companies. His insights suggest internal opposition within UK institutions, where some officials were cautious about challenging EU partners due to potential economic repercussions. Gove’s advocacy underscores a fundamental belief: justice cannot be compromised for commercial gain, especially when addressing profound moral failures.
Gove’s call for accountability underscores the complexities of achieving justice in a globalised regulatory landscape.
