Labour MP Emma Dent Coad has speculated that recent renovation works may have contributed to the fatal fire at Grenfell Tower in west London, as prime minister Theresa May announces a public inquiry.
The death toll from the fire has now risen to 17. Following a visit to the site earlier today, May announced from 10 Downing Street that a public inquiry would be launched to ensure the disaster is properly investigated.
"People deserve answers. The inquiry will give them," she said.
Dent Coad ? the Labour MP newly elected in the historically Conservative area ? speculated that the building's recent renovation may have played a role in the spread of the fire.
"I can't help thinking that poor-quality materials and construction standards may have played a part in this hideous and unforgivable event," she told The Guardian newspaper.
Related story Grenfell Tower fire deaths raise questions about safety of post-war renovations

The 24-storey tower near Notting Hill had received an £8.7 million facelift in the lead up to the fire, which broke out around 1am yesterday.
Aluminium-composite panels used to cover the facades of the high-rise were quickly identified by onlookers as appearing to help the fire take hold.

London firm Studio E Architects and contractors Rydon oversaw the £8.7 million refurbishment of the 1970s building, which was completed last summer. Rydon has claimed the building met all...