The minister was seen dabbing at his eyes with a tissue after speaking to MPs
THE HOUSING minister has broken down in tears in the House of Commons this afternoon while giving a statement on Grenfell tower.
Alok Sharma was seen dabbing at his eyes with a tissue after speaking to MPs about the "unspeakable trauma" residents had suffered.
The minister said today that working to deal with the aftermath of the fire had been the most "humbling and moving experience of my life".
He went on, his voice breaking: "The families I have met, have been through unimaginable pain.
"This is a tragedy that should never have happened.
"We are determined to do all we can make sure something like this never happens again."
Mr Sharma, who was appointed to his role after June's post-election reshuffle, also confirmed today that every household that was ready to talk to authorities has been offered temporary accommodation.
And he stressed that no survivors of the fire, which is thought to have killed over 80 people, would be forced to move.
He said that he had personally spoken to at least 30 families who were involved, and that there was a responsibility for Government to restore the broken trust.
But just 14 families have accepted offers of accommodation to move into, he said today, amid reports from residents that they were not being offered adequate housing, or that it was in an unsuitable location.
MINISTERS have announced a temporary 12-month immigration amnesty for all survivors of the Grenfell tower blaze.
The immigration minister said today that he was introducing a "policy on leave to remain" which was outside of the usual immigration rules.
This will apply to all residents of Grenfell Tower and Grenfell Walk, a statement from Brandon Lewis said.
The Home Office has already said it will not conduct immigration checks on any suvivors, or those coming forward to give information about the fire.
And yesterday Sajid Javid confirmed that no one will face prosecution if they were living there illegally, or subletting their property.
Mr Lewis said in a written statement: "This period of leave will provide survivors with the time to deal with the extremely difficult circumstances in which they find themselves and start to rebuild their lives whilst considering their future options, as well as to assist the police and other authorities with their enquiries about the fire.
"No fees will be charged by the Home Office in respect of cases granted leave under the policy.
"Everyone affected by this tragedy needs reassurance that the Government is there for them at this terrible time and we will continue to provide the support they need to help them through the difficult days, weeks and months to come."
Shadow home secretary, Diane Abbott, welcomed the announcement but said it did not provide an incentive for people to come forward with information.
She said: "his does not go far enough to ensure the confidence of those affected. Why would they volunteer their details knowing that in just 12 months they could face deportation? The amnesty must be indefinite to be truly effective."
The policy will be kept under review and will remain in place until 31 August.
But Mr Sharma said that some did not want to move until they found a permanent home, and 19 families were not ready to engage in the process of talks yet. Some of those are still recovering in hospital.
"What matters above all else is what the families want," he stressed today. "We need to go at the pace they want to go."
And the shadow housing minister said that while his word were welcome, it was "the government's actions which count".
John Healey said the Government had been "too slow to act" and were "off the pace at every stage following this terrible tragedy".
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