Campaigners have expressed frustration after their request for the Senedd building to be illuminated in green was denied by the Senedd Commission. Welsh Cladiators, a group advocating for the rights of leaseholders in Wales, have been holding remembrances for the Grenfell disaster annually for the past three years at the Senedd. The Grenfell tragedy, which claimed the lives of 72 people in 2017, remains a poignant event that continues to resonate with many across the UK and beyond.
The Senedd Commission acknowledged that the Senedd building was indeed lit up in commemoration of the Grenfell disaster in the first year after the incident. However, they cited logistical constraints as the reason for not being able to fulfil the annual request from Welsh Cladiators. This decision has been met with disappointment and criticism from the campaigners, who view it as insensitive and failing to reflect the sentiments of the Welsh population towards such a significant tragedy.
The campaigners emphasised that their primary concern is for the ongoing healing process of the Grenfell families, whom they do not wish to cause further distress. Nonetheless, they believe that it is imperative for the Senedd to pay its respects to one of the most devastating public tragedies in recent memory. The refusal to illuminate the building in green has been labelled as regrettable and misguided, with a call for urgent reconsideration of the decision.
Requests for the Senedd to be lit green on the eighth anniversary of the Grenfell disaster were made through political representatives, only to be met with notification of rejection. The Senedd Commission reiterated that while they empathise with the cause, they are unable to accommodate such requests on an annual basis. This decision aligns with past practices of handling similar requests from various campaigns and charities, as stated by a Commission spokesperson.
Over the years, the Senedd building has been illuminated on multiple occasions to commemorate significant events, including the recent marking of the third anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine. The denial of the request from Welsh Cladiators highlights the complexities and considerations involved in managing such commemorations within the constraints of resources and logistical capabilities. The decision has prompted discussions around the role of symbolic gestures in honouring tragedies and the expectations placed on governmental institutions in doing so.
The debate surrounding the lighting of the Senedd in green serves as a reminder of the power of symbolism in collective remembrance and advocacy. While the Senedd Commission’s decision reflects operational limitations, it also underscores the need for sensitivity and responsiveness to community sentiments, especially in commemorating tragedies of national significance. The dialogue initiated by this incident may lead to further reflections on the ways in which institutions engage with and honour tragic events in a manner that resonates with the affected communities and the broader public.