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Saturday, June 17, 2017

Theresa May meeting Grenfell fire victims and volunteers in Downing Street

Theresa May is meeting victims, community leaders and volunteers from the Grenfell fire disaster in Downing Street.

It is her second meeting with those affected by Wednesday morning's inferno, which was branded "unprecedented" by London's Fire Brigade Commissioner.

The Prime Minister has been criticised for not going to talk to victims until Friday, as some in a crowd shouted "coward" and "shame on you" following a visit with survivors at a church.

Mrs May has announced a £5m fund as part of a "comprehensive package" of support for victims.

The No 10 meeting comes after Mrs May finished chairing an emergency session of the Grenfell Recovery Task Force.

The cross-Government group are coordinating the immediate and long-term response to the west London blaze that has so far claimed 30 people's lives. The number of dead is expected to rise significantly as authorities confirm and identify the deceased.

As part of the £5m fund, the support measures include:

:: Residents of Grenfell Tower will be rehoused at the earliest possible opportunity, within three weeks at the latest.

:: People will be rehoused as close as possible to their previous address, either in Kensington and Chelsea borough or a neighbouring borough, in order for them to access their same schools and GPs.

:: The cost of temporary accommodation will be covered until they are rehoused, with the Government also providing cash for any extra expense incurred by children travelling to their local school.

A Downing Street spokesman said the PM had "sent her best wishes" to the Queen, who is celebrating her 91st official birthday.

Mrs May was not seen at the traditional Trooping the Colour celebrations held outside Buckingham Palace, as the Queen marked her birthday with a sombre but defiant message.

Image:The Queen and Prince Philip at the Monarch's birthday celebrations

The Monarch praised Britons for staying "resolute in the face of adversity" after three terror attacks and the Kensington fire.

Mrs May had made two trips to Grenfell Tower, once to meet the emergency services and a second time to meet victims, including in hospital and at a church.

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