LAST week the country and the world looked on in horror at the utterly awful fire at Grenfell Tower in Kensington. The level of destruction and sheer scale of human suffering are almost incomprehensible.

One can only imagine the horrors witnessed by those caught up, residents who escaped, heroic neighbours and community members, our immensely brave firefighters and all emergency services, and hospital staff treating the

injured.

The emotional toll of what they experienced will be far-reaching, not to mention the physical effects; and this tragedy will affect the close-knit community immeasurably for years to come.

Kensington is a London borough where the two extremes of society are in clear focus – with immense wealth on display, and just streets away, terrible poverty. It’s an inequality that’s keenly felt in the community, now more

than ever. It’s not surprising therefore to see the anger and frustration at the slow response of the local authority, the Government and the Prime Minister in the immediate aftermath. People are angry and cannot understand how this can happen in London in the 21st century.

The investigation that’s been called must establish all the facts and ensure

all lessons are learned. It must also urgently evaluate what steps should be taken to ensure the safety of people living in similar blocks.

This is of great concern to me given the number of old and new high-rises in Cardiff and the Vale. Within hours I contacted the Vale of Glamorgan and Cardiff Councils for reassurances about our local housing stock

and fire safety measures, and have received some helpful information. 

We must all work together to ensure such a devastating tragedy can never happen again, anywhere.

 I was sickened to hear about the terror attack in Finsbury Park on Sunday night, and particularly horrified to then learn the terrorist appears to have been living in Cardiff.

My thoughts and prayers remain with all those affected.

We must stand resolute against hate and division wherever it occurs, and it has been heartening to see the cross-community and inter-faith response. Terrorist acts - whoever commits them - are attacks on our shared values of freedom, tolerance and respect.

I’ve spoken to South Wales Police about steps to ensure local worshippers at mosques are kept safe, and will continue to do all I can to promote tolerance in and across our communities.