Emma Dent Coad’s celebrations for her unlikely victory
over the Conservatives last summer lasted just four
days before her constituency needed her like they had
needed no MP before. After three recounts and just a
20-vote win, Dent Coad became the first ever Labour
MP of London’s richest borough – one that, until then,
had always been considered a Conservative strong
hold.
With little time for her feet to hit the ground, the royal
borough of Kensington and Chelsea fell victim to one
of the most devastating tragedies our generation has
seen. The one year anniversary now fast approaching,
our hearts are still bleeding. Almost 365 days on, and
families are still without homes. The official inquiry still
on going, we have questions yet to be answered. 12
months to the day, and we’re still lacking an accurate
death toll.
The eagerly anticipated Notting Hill Carnival will
include again this year, as it did just weeks after the
fatal fire, tributes and memorials for the victims of
the blaze, and the heroes who fought it. In a heartfelt
speech to the crowd, Dent Coad attempted to lift the
communities dampened spirits:
“Set aside your sadness and worries, smile, dance
and sing along, and we will have the most wonderful,
musical, colourful and loveable carnival ever.
Remember, you are the Grenfell Generation, and you
are special.”
“For a generation that documents
such a large portion of their lives
online it’s vital that conversations
continue about Grenfell. Keep
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