Protest at Downing Street over Theresa May's DUP deal and Grenfell Tower response

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Andrew Feinberg

White House Correspondent

Theresa May has admitted basic support for victims of the Grenfell Tower disaster “was not good enough” as a planned protest against her deal with the Democratic Unionist Party was overshadowed by criticism of her response to the tragedy.

After a two-and-a-half hour meeting with families and community leaders the Prime Minister said she had heard their concerns.

Ms May's statement came as a demonstration first organised to protest the Conservatives' attempts to do a parliamentary deal with the DUP was joined by people unhappy about her own actions following the Kensington tower block fire.

The PM was criticised for failing to meet residents during her first visit to the site, while the Queen and Prince William made a trip to Westway Sports Centre, where the community's crisis management was based.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn also visited.

Ms May said on Saturday evening: “The response of the emergency services, NHS and the community has been heroic.

“But, frankly, the support on the ground for families who needed help or basic information in the initial hours after this appalling disaster was not good enough.”

Placards saying “justice for Grenfell” were seen at the protest.

On Saturday police said 58 people were now missing presumed dead after the north Kensington block was incinerated on Wednesday.

Marchers demonstrating against the DUP deal chanted “go Jeremy Corbyn” and waved placards that said “defy Tory rule'”.

Labour supporter Owen Jones said: “A disgraced Theresa May is trying to cling on to power with an alliance with the Democratic Unionist Party, the most extreme party in Parliament.”

The Conservatives have been forced to turn to deal-making to wield power in Parliament after Ms May's general election gamble saw her lose her majority.

The DUP’s record on issues like same-sex marriage, climate change and abortion have caused widespread concern.

Additional reporting by agencies