Making A Difference


Using journalistic evidence to stimulate regulatory change

This sustained coverage in prime time broadcast news was instrumental in changing regulatory arrangements by the London Fire Brigade, revising best practice in local authorities and keeping national politicians focused on the fire safety debate within the construction industry and within public consciousness.

In addition to the 18.00 news bulletin items presented on the narrative timeline presented on this website, there were also 13.00 news bulletin and 22.00 news bulletin broadcasts on the days highlighted.

In addition there was radio and online coverage. On a conservative estimate this story reached several million viewers/listeners/readers making a significant contribution to the public understanding of the dangers of fire in high-rise buildings.

It stimulated the setting up of a public inquiry by the London Assembly on fire risks in tall buildings https://www.london.gov.uk/moderngov/documents/s2394/ and changed the way local authorities disseminated information about Fire Risk Assessments, some initially decided to make ease of public access a priority by putting them online.


“I am extremely grateful to be able to use the Lakanal Fire footage courtesy of Nigel Saunders and Paul Wood.

All the fire footage of the Lakanal House fire is their copyright.

All other material is BBC Copyright and available through public access online or through the 'box of broadcasts' portal.”

Professor Kurt Barling - 2017