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Queen ‘confirms’ new buildings safety plans

A NEW buildings safety regulator would be given powers to impose criminal sanctions to help prevent another Grenfell Tower tragedy, it was confirmed in the Queen’s Speech yesterday.

The new regulator would police the design, construction and occupation of housing more than 18 metres in height.

Labour MP for Kensington Emma Dent Coad welcomed the plan and commended Grenfell campaign groups and housing charity Shelter for helping to push the government “a step in the right direction.

“But this Queen’s Speech in advance of an election means that the Tories may never have to implement these policies,” she said.

She said: “The current situation was created by the Tories’ ‘bonfire of regulations’.  Their commitment now seems to focus on the future with little comfort for tens of thousands of people stuck in unsafe buildings now.

“There was really no need to wait until the Queen’s Speech to announce these plans … There is little detail here and the background briefing seems aspirational, with few concrete proposals.”

Grenfell survivors and campaigners at their monthly silent march yesterday warned against the media “burial” of the Grenfell inquiry’s first report.

It will be published on October 30, a day before Brexit is due.

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