Those advocating for the Grenfell building have demanded that Tony Blair issue an apology and accept accountability for the choices his administration made that lead to the catastrophe that claimed 72 lives.

The former prime minister claimed on Thursday that mistakes were inevitable and that disasters like the fire in west London, which occurred after years of opportunities to control flammable siding, were the result.

This week saw the publication of the final report from the public inquiry into the Grenfell Tower fire, which featured a number of criticisms of choices made during Blair's premiership.

While the "bonfire of red tape" implemented by David Cameron's government was criticised harshly, Sir Martin Moore-Bick, the inquiry's head, also documented shortcomings under New Labour in his 1,700-page report.

The 2017 fire at the 24-story apartment building raged unrestrained due to the highly flammable coating.

Blair's government "failed to heed the warning" from the environment and transport select committee in 1999 that it "should not take a serious fire in which people were killed [for steps to be] taken to minimise the risks posed by some external cladding systems," according to the report, which was written during Blair's first term in office.

what his government were involved in that contributed to Grenfell happening, of course you apologise.

“We’re not talking about mistakes happening. We’re talking about the neglect and ignoring what needed to be done, ignoring the implementation of recommendations. It’s cause and effect.”

Stephen Mackenzie, a fire security consultant, said of Blair’s remarks: “It’s incredibly arrogant from an experienced statesman and politician. The problems with the legislation and guidance stems from his government. Much of the cladding was installed during his government’s tenure and Gordon Brown’s follow-on.”

Blair's remarks prompted Emma Dent Coad, a Kensington MP at the time of the fire, to remark, "This was an avoidable atrocity... What he says is absurdity personified.

As an independent councillor now, the former Labour MP continued, saying, "Tony Blair needs to actually read the report and not just pull opinions out of his back pocket."