The Grenfell Tower fire was a seismic moment in both local and national life. Although

it had a profound and lasting impact on the North Kensington community in which it

happened, its repercussions were felt far and wide. In the days after the fire, people

came from all over the country to offer help and donate gis, and media from across

the world descended on the area, asking how such a disaster could happen in a

sophisticated, modern, western European city such as London. In the weeks that

followed, discussion raged over questions which the fire seemed to highlight: social

inequality, poverty, immigration, housing, the role of local and national government

and so on. It seemed that for a brief moment, the Grenfell Tower fire shone a spotlight

on a whole series of social issues that we were all dimly aware of, and yet often ignored. Since that terrible night, those who died have been identified, families have mourned,

the local community has grieved and tried to come to terms with what happened.

Discussion has flowed over what might need to change in North Kensington, with a

whole raft of consultation exercises taking place by various agencies. The Public

Inquiry has also met for Phase 1 of its investigations, and there is now a long pause

before Phase 2 begins. In this episode we remember that night and the few days after, as a prelude to the coming episodes in the following weeks. We aim to discuss, uncover and bring to light some of our own findings and views.