Tests on tower blocks following Grenfell tragedy show cladding on some blocks is combustible, says Theresa May

THERESA MAY has said tests on tower blocks following the Grenfell tragedy have shown cladding on some blocks is “combustible”.

The Prime Minister said local authorities and fire services concerned are taking “all possible steps” to ensure buildings are safe and residents have been informed.

Mrs May also said the tragedy will not be used to carry out immigration checks on those affected by the tragedy or on those providing “vital” information to identify victims or to assist the criminal investigation.

Prime Minister Theresa May has issued a statement on the government's plan after #GrenfellTower. Here are some of the key points: pic.twitter.com/hVSDPADDwf

— Press Association (@PA) June 22, 2017

Mrs May, making a statement to the Commons, said “no stone will be left unturned” in the inquiry.

She also said: “For any guilty parties there will be nowhere to hide.”

Mrs May said she expects an interim report to be produced as “early as possible” by the chair of the inquiry.

Mrs May went on: “I know many others living in tall residential buildings will have concerns about their safety after what happened at Grenfell. All social landlords have been instructed to carry out additional fire safety checks on tower blocks and ensure the appropriate safety and response measures are in place.”

She added: “We’ve also taken steps to make private landlords aware and make our checking facilities available to them for free. The House should, of course, be careful on speculating what caused this fire. But, as a precaution, the Government has arranged to test cladding in all relevant tower blocks.

“Shortly before I came to the chamber, I was informed that a number of these tests have come back as combustible.

Jeremy Corbyn challenged the Prime Minister's statement on #GrenfellTower, urging the government to go further and address wider issues pic.twitter.com/S3ss8iKbI4

— Press Association (@PA) June 22, 2017

“The relevant local authorities and local fire services have been informed, and, as I speak, they are taking all possible steps to ensure buildings are safe and to inform affected residents.”

The Prime Minister said that 79 people had been confirmed dead or listed as missing presumed dead and the death toll, which includes children and whole families, was likely to rise further.

Outlining the response to the tragedy, she said: “I would like to reassure people that we will not use this tragic incident as a reason to carry out immigration checks on those involved or on those providing information to identify victims or those assisting with the criminal investigation. We will make sure that all victims, irrespective of their immigration status, will be able to access the services they need including healthcare and accommodation.”

Mrs May told MPs that Kensington and Chelsea Council “could not cope” and said it was right for chief executive Nicholas Holgate to resign.

More than £700,000 has been paid out to victims so far, who will not be expected to repay the cash, and a central command centre has been set up to control the response, with more than 600 people working to support victims in the area.