by Helen Whately, Faversham and Mid Kent MP.

"The death toll from the awful fire at Grenfell Tower is still rising, and the unanswered questions are piling up. How did it happen in Britain today? Could more lives be at risk from unsafe tower blocks?

"Are safety regulations strong enough? How do we get justice for the victims? And why were the residents ignored when they spoke up about their fears?

"The government has acted quickly to set up a public inquiry and get some answers, and we shouldn’t speculate in the meantime.

"But that final question is one we all need to address as a society. Too often people feel overlooked by those in authority. It’s something I come across all the time when standing up for constituents who feel they haven’t had a fair hearing, often from organisations that exist to serve the public.

"This tragedy has exposed divisions, and to heal them we need to make sure everyone – no matter who they are or where they’re from – is not just listened to, but heard.

"People also need reassurance that their own homes are safe. Our fire and rescue services do an incredible job, but everything possible must be done to prevent fires starting in the first place.

"I have written to Maidstone Borough Council asking for confirmation all social housing is subject to the most rigorous fire safety checks. If it cannot give me that assurance I will be pushing for an urgent safety review. I have also asked if it has sufficient powers to inspect private rental housing.

"The government is testing cladding on tower blocks across the country, but my understanding is that Maidstone is not one of the local authorities with buildings of concern. Though the contractor in charge of the regeneration of Park Wood also worked on Grenfell Tower, I am told that the same cladding is not being used. Kent County Council is also checking fire safety in schools.

"I’ve always believed and feel now stronger than ever, all of us in public service must treat every single person who contacts us with care – and always go the extra mile to help. It shouldn’t take a horrific accident like Grenfell to make us pay attention."

This column appears in this week's Kent Messenger. Unfortunately due to an error, the words are attributed to MP Helen Grant. We apologise to both MPs.