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The government was warned about the risk of Grenfell-style cladding in 2014 but failed act on building experts' dire warnings.

Minutes from a July 2014 meeting by Centre for Window and Cladding Technology reveals civil servants responsible for building health and safety were warned about the dangers posed by aluminium and polythylene cladding - the exact same material used on Grenfell Tower.

The aluminium composite cladding, known as ACM, was fitted to Grenfell during refurbishment works completed in 2016.

Industry experts compared the cladding to 'solid petrol' - and warned that official guidance was not clear in prohibiting the use of the deadly component.

Minutes from the meeting, released by Inside Housing, show how Department for Communities and Local Government officials were told that cladding was directly responsible for the spread of external fires in tower blocks.

(Image: PA)

The report read: “There have been major fires in buildings in various parts of the world where ACM materials have been used for the cladding with the ACM responsible for the external fire spread.

“It was stated that [official guidance] is intended to prohibit the use of polyethylene-cored ACM in buildings over 18m… This is not clear from the wording of the current clause.”

Steve Reed, a backbench Labour MP who has campaigned on cladding, condemned the government's failure to act.

He said: “This is damning proof that the government knew their fire safety guidance was flawed and dangerous and yet they did nothing.”

(Image: PA) (Image: AFP)

Edward Daffarn, a survivor from the tower and part of campaign group Grenfell United, said: “The more we learn about what happened before Grenfell, from council to government to industry, the more we believe 72 people would be alive today if those in power had done their basic duty.

To see the government was specifically warned about the dangers of using of this type of cladding years before the fire, before the refurbishment of Grenfell, is devastating. It adds to the growing list of warnings that were ignored.”

An extensive public inquiry into the tragic blaze is ongoing

In June, Grenfell Tower was lit up green to mark the first anniversary of the devastating fire that claimed the lives of 72 residents.

Pictures posted to social media show how the building, which is still undergoing extensive work, was brightly illuminated by a green glow.