The key facts
- Burnham visited the memorial in Aberfan ahead of the 60th anniversary of the disaster of 21 October 1966
- 116 children and 28 adults were killed when a coal tip collapsed onto a school
- The government is allocating around £140 million to the Welsh government for coal tip safety
Prime Minister's visit ahead of the tragedy's anniversary
Prime Minister Andy Burnham visited the memorial garden in Aberfan on Monday morning, a few days before the 60th anniversary of the disaster. He was joined by Jeff Edwards — one of the last children to be pulled alive from the rubble — and Wales Minister Stephen Kinnock. 'It has been 60 years since one of the most horrifying tragedies this country has ever seen. All those lost children,' Burnham said.
Acknowledging the authorities' failures
The Prime Minister said he had been told about the tragedy by his parents in childhood, and that he had come to recognise the community's resilience. 'I don't think Aberfan was treated properly by the authorities, and that needs to be acknowledged too,' he said. In his words, at such a moment it is right for a prime minister to say this to residents in person.
Remembering 21 October 1966
On 21 October 1966, a coal tip collapsed, burying Pantglas primary school and surrounding houses; 116 children and 28 adults were killed. The memorial garden was laid out on the site of the destroyed school. Pupils from Caegarw primary school in Mountain Ash were on a trip to the garden that day, unaware of the Prime Minister's visit. Ten-year-olds Ellis and Holly told Burnham about their families' personal connections to the tragedy: Ellis's grandfather had come to help with the rescue efforts, and Holly's godmother's daughter died in the disaster.
Tip safety and funding
Burnham spent about 15 minutes in the memorial garden, then spoke with gathered residents and visited a community centre. He called the safety of coal tips, especially in the former mining communities of south Wales, a matter of 'critical importance', adding that he himself represents the former mining constituency of Makerfield near Manchester. According to him, his government is allocating around £140 million to the Welsh government, which is adding its own funding, and an organisation is being created to manage the remaining risks.
Royal family to arrive on Wednesday
King Charles III, Queen Camilla and Prince William will arrive in Aberfan on Wednesday, the day of the anniversary. The late Queen Elizabeth II visited Aberfan eight times.
Image source, PA Media
Andy Burnham (middle) visited the Aberfan memorial garden alongside survivor Jeff Edwards (left) and Welsh Secretary Stephen Kinnock
Holly told the prime minister her family had a close connection with the tragedy
