Michael Gove admits “flawed and ambiguous” guidance allowed the Grenfell tragedy to happen

Michael Gove has admitted that ‘faulty and ambiguous’ government directives enabled the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

The Secretary of Leveling Up, Housing and Communities accepted that the flammable cladding rules were wrong before fire engulfed the West London tower block in June 2017, killing 72 people.

A public inquiry into the disaster, chaired by Sir Martin Moore-Bick, has yet to produce its final report.

But Mr Gove acknowledged evidence for the inquiry showing that official guidelines were widely seen as allowing highly flammable coverings on tall buildings.

It comes as he prepares for a six-week deadline for developers to sign a government contract to fix their insecure towers — or be banned from the market.

Asked in an interview with the Sunday Times on whether he accepted the rules were wrong prior to Grenfell, the cabinet minister replied: ‘Yes. There was a system of regulation that was flawed.

“The government has not thought hard enough, or politicized effectively enough, the whole system of security in buildings. Doubtless.’

He added, “I believe that [the guidance] was so flawed and ambiguous that it allowed unscrupulous people to exploit a broken system in a way that led to tragedy.”

Housing minister accepted flammable cladding rules were wrong before fire engulfed west London tower block in June 2017, killing 72 people

A public inquiry into the disaster, chaired by Sir Martin Moore-Bick, has yet to produce its final report

Mr Gove predicted the investigation would “distribute responsibility appropriately” between regulators, manufacturers and developers.

“There is neglect and a failure to effectively get the system in place, which is one thing,” he told the paper.

“And then there’s an active willingness to put people at risk for profit, which in my view is a considerably greater sin.”

Gove will announce its six-week developer deadline tomorrow.

“Those who have not (signed) will suffer the consequences. They will not be able to build new houses,” he said.

The Sunday Times said he would use a new ‘responsible actors plan’ to prevent developers from getting approval to plan or build new developments.

The last Grenfell inquiry hearing in November heard that companies appeared to have used the investigation to “position himself for any legal action” that might follow, rather than show remorse.

In closing the filings, lead attorney Richard Millett KC accused companies of being on a “carousel” to protect their own interests.

The inquiry also heard from Jason Beer KC, of ​​the Department of Leveling Up, Housing and Communities, who said the department “apologises unreservedly” for failing to recognize weaknesses in the regulatory system.