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

A top construction industry executive has publicly criticized the UK government's plans to turn post-Grenfell fire safety guidance into law, calling it "loose", "spineless" and "open to interpretation". David Jones, president of the Institute of Construction Management, warned that the new law would allow too many "tolerable" risks, including the use of flammable materials in window systems and between floors, which could let fire spread.

According to Jones, the current guidance permits developers to exploit loopholes, allowing them to prioritize profits over safety. He described the proposed law as an "absolute abomination" and the first senior building industry leader to publicly express such strong opposition. The government's plans are currently out for consultation, and Jones' comments come as a major blow to the proposed legislation.

The UK government has defended its plans, stating that making the guidelines law will bring clarity and certainty to the process of deciding which fire safety measures are necessary. However, critics argue that this approach will only serve to perpetuate the status quo, rather than driving meaningful change.

The Grenfell Tower fire in 2017, which killed 72 people, led to a global outcry and calls for stricter fire safety regulations. In response, the UK government introduced new guidance for multi-storey residential buildings, which is now set to be enshrined in law. However, experts warn that this move will only serve to exacerbate the problem, rather than solving it.

The international community has been watching the UK's response to the Grenfell disaster closely, with many countries implementing their own fire safety regulations in the wake of the tragedy. As the UK's new law takes shape, it remains to be seen whether it will meet the expectations of global safety standards.

The UK government has until the end of the consultation period to address the concerns raised by Jones and other industry leaders. If the proposed law is passed in its current form, it could have far-reaching consequences for the construction industry and the safety of residents in multi-storey buildings across the country.