Patrick Vernon Gives Tribute at the 45th Anniversary Memorial of the New Cross Fire

18 January, 2026 marked the 45th Anniversary Memorial of the New Cross Fire, where a tribute was delivered in remembrance of the fourteen young people who lost their lives.

The New Cross Fire remains one of the most devastating tragedies in Black British history. Beyond the immediate loss of life, it exposed deep systemic injustices and left lasting trauma for families, survivors, and the wider Black community. Forty-five years on, its legacy continues to shape conversations about remembrance, justice, and healing.

The speech, “We Remember. We Heal. We Act.”, reflected on the responsibility that comes with remembrance — not as a passive act, but as an active commitment. Remembering means telling the truth about what happened, acknowledging the harm caused by neglect and silence, and recognising how unresolved trauma continues to affect communities today.

A key reflection focused on the late Dr Aggrey Burke, whose work with families affected by the tragedy recognised that justice and mental wellbeing are deeply connected. His approach challenged the separation of mental health from social and racial injustice, highlighting that healing cannot occur without accountability and meaningful change.

The speech also acknowledged that the trauma rooted in the New Cross Fire is not confined to the past. It remains intertwined with the ongoing injustices Black communities continue to face — from structural inequality to disparities in mental health support. These realities reinforce the need to view remembrance as a call to action.

This video is shared in memory of the fourteen young people who lost their lives, in solidarity with their families and survivors, and as a commitment to continued action. Remembrance must lead to healing, and healing must lead to change.

We remember.
We honour.
We recommit together.