A leading construction figure warned that major fire risks will persist under a new safety law in the UK. David Jones, president of the Institute of Construction Management, called the government's post-Grenfell fire safety guidance "spineless." He believes the proposed law permits developers to exploit loopholes.

Jones criticized the guidelines for multi-story residential buildings as too lenient. He cited the allowance of flammable materials in window systems as a key concern. These materials, he argued, could facilitate fire spread between floors. Jones, a construction veteran, has over 50 years of experience.

The government defended the guidelines as a proportionate response to the flammable cladding crisis. Ministers claim the law will clarify fire safety decision-making. The plans are currently under consultation.

The Grenfell Tower fire in London in 2017 exposed widespread fire safety failings in high-rise buildings globally. Similar cladding-related fire risks have been identified in buildings across Europe, Australia, and the Middle East, prompting reviews of building regulations internationally.

The government will consider feedback from the consultation before finalizing the law. The construction industry and residents await the outcome.