When I had the opportunity to engage with Sarah Thompson, an ardent campaigner for Grenfell United, the atmosphere was both solemn and resolute. Sarah has been indefatigably advocating on behalf of Grenfell United, an organisation representing the survivors and bereaved families of the Grenfell Tower fire. Her current focus is on urging the Rugby Football Union (RFU) to reconsider their decision to use materials from Kingspan for a new training facility at Pennyhill Park, England’s training base.
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“The Grenfell Tower fire was a preventable catastrophe,” Sarah began, her tone steady yet laden with emotion. “Seventy-two lives were tragically lost, and countless others were irrevocably affected. The final report from the inquiry laid bare a ‘path to disaster’ that spanned decades, exposing the systemic dishonesty within certain sectors of the construction industry. Kingspan, in particular, demonstrated a flagrant disregard for fire safety in their product marketing. How, knowing all this, can the RFU justify their use of Kingspan materials?”
Sarah elaborated on the proactive stance Grenfell United has taken since learning about the RFU’s plans. The proposed facility at Pennyhill Park, described as a “flexible multi-purpose space,” is intended to be temporary, with planning permission initially sought for five years. “Temporary or not,” Sarah asserted, “employing materials from a company implicated in such a devastating event is indefensible.”
The RFU’s decision to proceed with Kingspan materials has sparked considerable debate, especially in light of the recent findings from the Grenfell Tower inquiry. “Although Kingspan was not held directly responsible for the fire, their actions and marketing strategies were deemed profoundly dishonest and cynical,” Sarah pointed out. “They knowingly created a false market for their insulation products, which were subsequently used on buildings that should never have had them.”
Sarah’s frustration was palpable as she recounted the sequence of events. “The RFU placed their order for these materials in July, while the public inquiry was still underway. Even before the final report was published, there was sufficient information available to raise serious ethical concerns.”
Kingspan has issued statements welcoming the inquiry’s final report, stressing that their insulation was not the primary cause of the fire and highlighting the measures they have taken to address past failings. However, for Sarah and many others within Grenfell United, these assurances are inadequate. “Their response seems like an attempt to deflect responsibility,” she remarked. “Acknowledging ‘historical failings’ does not negate the fact that they behaved dishonestly for years, prioritising commercial gain over safety.”
Sarah revealed that Grenfell United had reached out to the RFU, urging them to examine the inquiry’s executive summary and reconsider their decision. “We asked them, ‘Can you, in good conscience, use materials from a company under criminal investigation?’ The legacy of Grenfell should be one of transformative change, not a continuation of the status quo.”
The RFU’s response has been cautious. They have cited adherence to best practices and building regulations, declining to discuss individual suppliers or manufacturers unless they are brand partners. For Sarah, this response is insufficient. “Compliance with regulations is the bare minimum,” she contended. “We are calling for a higher standard of ethical consideration, particularly given the revelations about Kingspan’s practices.”
The ramifications extend beyond the RFU to other organisations and industries. Sarah noted other instances where partnerships with Kingspan have been terminated in light of the inquiry’s findings. “Prominent figures and organisations have distanced themselves from Kingspan,” she observed. “Golfer Shane Lowry severed ties with them after years of pressure from campaigners. The Mercedes Formula One team removed Kingspan’s sponsorship from their cars, and Ulster Rugby Club has announced that their partnership with Kingspan will end in 2025.”
Sarah believes the RFU has an opportunity to set a significant precedent. “By reconsidering their use of Kingspan materials, the RFU can demonstrate a commitment to ethical practices and the safety of their players and staff. It transcends mere regulatory compliance; it is about doing what is ethically right.”
As our conversation concluded, Sarah’s unwavering commitment to her cause was unmistakable. “The memory of those who perished in the Grenfell fire should drive meaningful change,” she declared. “We owe it to them to ensure their legacy is one of enhanced safety and integrity within the construction industry. The RFU has the chance to be part of that legacy.”
Reflecting on the discussion, the gravity of the situation was evident. The decisions made by organisations like the RFU bear significant consequences, and it is imperative that the voices of those affected by tragedies such as Grenfell are heard. Whether the RFU will heed the appeal from Grenfell United remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the pursuit of justice and accountability continues unabated.
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