Seventy five high-rise buildings fail fire safety tests

Flammable cladding has been found on 75 high-rise buildings across 26 local authority areas, MPs have been told.

Sajid Javid told the Commons the so-called combustibility test has been failed by every building tested so far in the wake of the Grenfell Tower disaster.

The Communities and Local Government Secretary also said that 1,000 fire doors were found missing from the Camden tower blocks evacuated over the weekend.

Mr Javid urged local authorities to hasten action as he revealed that hospitals and schools will also be tested to make sure they are not encased in combustible cladding.

The latest figure on the number of buildings to fail fire safety standards is 15 more than the 60 revealed on Sunday.

Grading the material on a scale of fire-resistance, the assessment determines whether the material meets building regulations.

The minister reiterated concerns in Whitehall that councils were not being fast enough in submitting samples for testing.

Mr Javid said: "I can inform the House that as of midday today the cladding from 75 high-rise buildings in 26 local authority areas has failed the combustibility test."

He added: "The combustibility test has three categories rated one to three and it is judged that cladding material in categories two or three does not meet the requirements for limited combustibility in building regulations.

"I can also confirm to the House that, so far, on that basis, all samples of cladding tested have failed.

"The fact that all samples so far have failed underlines the value of the testing programme and the vital importance of submitting samples urgently."

He added: "I am concerned about the speed at which samples are being submitted.

"I would urge all landlords to submit their samples immediately."