Grenfell Tragedy: Michael Gove Criticizes Kingspan, Citing Negative Impact on Capitalism

Michael Gove, the UK's Levelling Up Secretary, expressed strong frustration with Irish insulation firm Kingspan, suggesting they are shirking their duties regarding the Grenfell Tower tragedy, where 72 people perished in 2017.

He criticized Kingspan's conduct to BBC's Good Morning Ulster, claiming the company tarnishes capitalism's reputation.

Kingspan's insulation, used in Grenfell and other high-rises for 14 years, was initially tested in 2005. After modifying the product in 2006, later tests ignited fires, yet it continued sales using the old test results until admitting their invalidity in 2020.

Kingspan asserts its insulation comprised only 5% of Grenfell's and contests their usage recommendations were disregarded.

Gove accuses Kingspan of evading accountability while the company pledges to finance restorative justice efforts and cover remediation costs where liable.

It also proposes contributing to an industry-wide fire safety scheme. Ulster Rugby will cut ties with Kingspan by 2025, a move Gove welcomes, urging the company to accept its fault in the Grenfell incident. Ulster Rugby has declined to comment further on Gove's statements.