Ashford MP Damian Green MP has defended the Prime Minister in the face of criticism that she had only met firefighters and other emergency service workers during a private visit to the Grenfell tower blaze.

The MP, First Secretary to the Treasury - effectively the deputy PM - said the criticism that she failed to talk directly to residents affected was unfair.

“I think it is deeply regrettable to bring politics into what is a most horrendous tragedy that many of us have seen for years. Obviously, the Prime Minister went to the scene very early and there are always security considerations but she - like everyone else - is completely distraught at the event and is absolutely determined to make sure that nothing like this can happen again.”

Theresa May was making a second visit to the site today when she was due to meet some families directly affected by the blaze at the 24-storey block of flats.

Mr Green said he hoped the inquiry would not get drawn out but the government should be prepared to implement any recommendations.

Asked if the government would fund sprinkler systems in properties which did not have them, he said:

“I think what needs to be done has to happen but obviously we have to wait for the inquiry. I will be urging that the public inquiry is not one that gets drawn out for years. It should act as quickly as possible to give a concrete set of recommendations that are then acted on quickly. Clearly, this sort of thing should not happen in the 21st century and should never happen again.”