SURELY the reasons for the Grenfell Tower tragedy were totally political, so it’s no good Andy Rutherford getting on his high (moralistic) horse and castigating all those who wish to actually discuss openly why this disaster happened and who are to blame. 

Does he inhabit a La La Land planet or maybe he thinks he can be neutral and doesn’t have to actually take sides? As Paulo Freire noted to declare oneself neutral in any power struggle is to side with the oppressors. 

He wants justice but tries to avoid the hard work and struggle of getting to the truth in a political world where everything is political. His seemingly denial of this fact is worrying for a journalist whose role surely is to get to the truth?

Perhaps he should go and visit the tenants of the burnt out tower block and kindly explain to them that their protest are political, shabby, “ill-timed” and please don’t get angry and blame anyone! Just take time to grieve dear residents, don’t get help from political allies and friends!

He could then report back from the powder keg about the anger towards May and her pro-cuts, pro-neo-liberalist chums who prop up a capitalist system that is rotten to the core!

I make no apologies for making political points because the whole thing is political. Andy Rutherford’s crass attempt to silence discussion was appalling and denies his profession!

Terry Banfield
Cardigan Crescent
Croesyceiliog
Cwmbran