The government has announced it will consult on banning flammable cladding just hours after a furious backlash when a review into the Grenfell Tower inferno failed to recommend such a move.

Communities Secretary James Brokenshire also said he will “not hesitate” to ban desk-top studies in building safety tests.

Campaigners branded a report by Dame Judith Hackitt  a “whitewash” after it failed to recommend either of the measures.

Speaking in the House of Commons three hours later after the publication of the report, Mr Brokenshire said: “We are consulting on significantly restricting or banning the use of desk-top studies to assess cladding systems.”

He added: “Having listened carefully to concerns, the government will consult on banning the use of combustible materials in cladding systems on high-rise residential buildings.”