Breaking News: UK Construction Industry Leader Slams New Safety Law as "Spineless"

In a scathing critique, David Jones, president of the Institute of Construction Management, has condemned the UK government's plans to turn post-Grenfell fire safety guidance into law, calling it "loose", "spineless" and "open to interpretation". The proposed legislation, currently out for consultation, has been criticized for permitting too many "tolerable" risks, including the use of flammable materials in window systems and between floors.

According to sources, the government plans to make the guidelines law, citing the need for clarity and certainty in the process of deciding which fire safety measures are required. However, Mr. Jones argues that this would be an "absolute abomination", allowing developers to "game the system" and putting lives at risk.

The controversy surrounding the new safety law comes as the UK grapples with the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017, which killed 72 people. The tragedy highlighted the need for stricter fire safety regulations, particularly in high-rise residential buildings. In response, the government introduced new guidance for multi-storey residential buildings, which is now set to be enshrined in law.

The proposed legislation has sparked concerns among industry leaders, who fear that it will not provide adequate protection for residents. In a stark warning, Mr. Jones stated that the new law would still pose a significant risk of major fires, particularly in buildings with flammable cladding and fire safety defects. The East Village development in Stratford, London, is a prime example, with all 63 blocks found to have dangerous cladding and fire safety defects.

The UK government has yet to respond to Mr. Jones' criticism, but the controversy is likely to escalate in the coming days. As the consultation period draws to a close, industry leaders and residents are bracing themselves for a potentially contentious debate about the future of fire safety regulations in the UK.