Theresa May announces full public inquiry into Grenfell Tower fire

Ms May also moved to “reassure” the residents of Grenfell Tower that the government “will make every effort to ensure that they’re re-housed in London and as close as possible to home.”

She paid tribute to the emergency services who have “worked tirelessly in horrific conditions” and said she was “overwhelmed by their professionalism and bravery”.

She also said the response of the local community in Kensington had been “extraordinary”.

“Right now people want answers and it’s absolutely right and that’s why I am today ordering a full public inquiry," Theresa May

Ms May was asked by a journalist from The Guardian why the government had failed to publish a review into fire safety building regulations, as called for by the All Party Parliamentary Group on Fire Safety.

She avoided answering the question, and repeated that a public inquiry would ensure the fire was “properly investigated”.

Sadiq Khan, mayor of London, said a public inquiry was needed because there are “pressing questions, which demand urgent answers”.

He also called for an interim report to be produced by the end of this summer “at the latest” in light of “concerns about the safety of other tower blocks that have been similarly refurbished.”