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The Tories have been accused of "watering down" their pledge to Grenfell Tower victims after a minister admitted not all of them will be rehoused within three weeks.

Theresa May made the vow in the days after the blaze that killed 79 people in the west London tower block.

She said last week: "I have set the commitment that people will be rehoused within three weeks."

But Communities Secretary Sajid Javid clarified victims would only be "offered" homes within three weeks.

If the homes aren't appropriate and they are rejected by victims, housing them may take longer.

(Image: EPA)

He told MPs: "We are working with them at their pace. Our commitment is that they will all be made offers within the three weeks, although they will not all necessarily be in the temporary accommodation within that time.

"We have to respect their choice when they are made offers. If they change their minds, we want to accommodate that."

Shadow Housing Secretary John Healey said: “Ministers have now confirmed that the Prime Minister’s pledge for every former Grenfell Tower resident to be found a temporary home within three weeks has been watered down and will not be met.

"What’s more, the government is unable to give any date for when permanent accommodation will be found for those made homeless by this tragedy.”

A Labour MP and ex-firefighter tonight warned tower blocks have suffered a "complete systemic failure" of fire safety.

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Jim Fitzpatrick demanded answers over the Grenfell Tower blaze and said installing sprinklers at the block would have cost just "£2,531 per death".

He warned a House of Commons debate about reports fire inspections and audits had reduced by 25%.

“The cost of sprinklers being fitted to Grenfell Tower would’ve been £200,000. Divide that by 79 - you do the math. It’s just over £2,531 per death.

"And that’s likely to come down as more deaths are concerned."

He also called for immediate funds for councils to install sprinklers in existing tower blocks.

"Health and safety regulations, much derided in the media, save lives but they also cost money," he said.