Tomorrow is about remembering the 72 lives so tragically lost in the Grenfell Tower fire a year ago – innocent victims young and old, children, parents, grandparents, friends and loved ones as well as all those injured and affected.
Londoners will never forget the horror and disbelief on waking up to the shocking news. Personally, I will always remember that night, following developments and speaking to the Fire Commissioner in the early hours who was at the scene in west London whilst the terrible tragedy unfolded. I’ll never forget going to Grenfell a few hours later and meeting some of devastated local residents, helpers and emergency workers. Some were working, others were resting after working through the night in appalling conditions. I want to thank them again for their truly heroic efforts.
Volunteers, friends, neighbours, schools, community and faith groups and many more rallied round to offer support to those who had survived, yet lost everything. It was a huge outpouring of human generosity. The way the community came together is testament to this city and the true spirit of London.
Over the past year, I have visited the Grenfell community many times, attended funerals and memorials and spent time with survivors, bereaved families, friends, and neighbours. I know I speak for all Londoners when I say that our thoughts and prayers are with the Grenfell community and every single person affected, especially around this anniversary.
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London