Buildings could still burn under 'spineless' new safety law, industry leader warns

Published: 12/24/2025
Buildings could still burn under 'spineless' new safety law, industry leader warns
Construction industry leader criticizes proposed fire safety law for allowing too many "tolerable" risks like flammable cladding. David Jones, president of the Institute of Construction Management, warns the law could still result in buildings burning due to the "spineless" guidelines. The government defends the law as a proportionate response to the Grenfell crisis, but critics argue it lacks clarity and allows for subjective interpretations of safety standards, potentially endangering residents. Despite slow progress in fixing unsafe buildings since Grenfell, concerns persist over the safety and insurance implications of leaving flammable materials in place.