Holocaust Memorial Day

He emphasises the long history of antisemitism, referencing Adolf Eichmann's involvement since 1932 and the systematic persecution that led to the holocaust.

Responding to Peter Bottomley, Bob confirms the early onset of antisemitic policies and practices leading up to World War II. He recounts Hermann Hirschberger's story from 1936 Germany, highlighting the dehumanisation and persecution faced by Jewish individuals.

Pays tribute to Bob Blackman for his work against antisemitism. He recommends a visit to Beth Shalom Holocaust Museum in Nottinghamshire, which recreates classrooms and carriages of the Kindertransport.

I have not visited, but I will make it a priority to do so when it is convenient, because I believe that it is something we should go and witness for ourselves. Hermann and his brother had a long journey to get to the United Kingdom... Members have mentioned other forms of systematic murder, but I have seen the plight of the Rohingya at first hand. The duty we owe is to ensure that those people who have perpetrated murder are brought to justice and suffer for the war crimes they have committed, and that we help and assist people who are refugees. I end by saying that the theme of this year is “stand together”, and I think that the whole House stands together united today in remembering the horrors of the holocaust and saying, with one voice, never again.

As my hon. Friend the Member for Chichester (Gillian Keegan) noted earlier, it is a privilege to take part in this debate, and it is a very special debate... This happened in a “civilised” nation. My hon. Friend the Member for Harrow East gave some of the historic background. It is now in school curriculums. Pupils are taught about the causes and how it ended with this worst ever atrocity. I wholly applaud the work of the Holocaust Educational Trust... We have to continue to find a solution there. It is the duty of this House, and the lesson of today’s debate, that where we see injustice in the world and it is perpetrated on the back of ethnic hatred, we call it out.

Bob Stewart shared his personal experience of genocide, discussing his time commanding a British battalion in Bosnia during the Bosnian War. He described witnessing and documenting atrocities such as mass killings and the Ahmići massacre. He emphasised the importance of Holocaust Memorial Day to remember these events and the ongoing duty to prevent future genocides.

Thanked Mr Deputy Speaker for the opportunity to speak, noting his Jewish constituents and their connection to the Holocaust. Mentioned reading 'If this is a man' by Primo Levi and considering concentration camps on British soil. Discussed the evolution of Nazi concentration camps from 1933 to Auschwitz in 1944. Highlighted Alderney's concentration camps during WWII, noting the reluctance towards excavations due to rabbinic law.

Addressed colleagues as a Polish-born MP, discussing his grandfather who hid Jewish families. Shared tragic story of Jan Kawczynski's murder for helping Jews. Criticised second world war revisionism and President Putin's accusations against Poland. Condemned The Independent article suggesting Poland is equally to blame in the Holocaust.

Asked how many Poles were killed by German soldiers and the Gestapo, responding to Daniel Kawczynski's mention of 6 million deaths in Poland during WWII.

Mr. Kawczynski highlighted the significant loss of Polish lives during World War II, stressing that at least 4 million Poles were killed. He also pointed out the destruction of Warsaw by Nazi Germany in 1944, where 97% of the city was destroyed. Mr. Kawczynski expressed his frustration with the BBC for referring to 'Polish death camps' and urged them to correct this misuse of terminology as these camps were set up and run by Germans. He warned against using terms like 'Nazi' which absolve Germany of responsibility, emphasising that German soldiers carried out brutal attacks in Poland. Mr. Kawczynski discussed the lack of war reparations from Germany to Poland despite significant suffering, mentioning his discussions with Polish Government officials about the possibility of legal action or compensation. He expressed his determination to pursue this issue until justice is served for those affected.

Congratulates new Members on their speeches and thanks Labour Members for their contributions. Discusses the interment of remains at Bushey cemetery, highlighting his family's connection to the Holocaust victims from Auschwitz, Sobibor, and other camps. Mentions the work done by medical students in Belsen in 1945. Emphasises the importance of remembering that the camps were German and not Polish. Discusses conditions in Belsen and historical figures such as Josef Kramer and Adolf Eichmann. Advocates for preventing genocide and maintaining liberal democracies to protect against tyranny. Calls for a debate on the appropriate time to confront Hitler militarily. Criticises decisions made over Iraq and Syria, acknowledging mistakes in military engagements. Concludes by addressing the Government's proposal for a Holocaust memorial and learning centre in Victoria Tower Gardens, suggesting dissatisfaction with current plans.

It is an honour to contribute to this powerful debate. Education and remembrance are the only cures for hatred and bigotry; I pledge to fight racism and prejudice wherever they are found. Honoured by 20 poignant speeches, including Fabian Hamilton’s personal story. Andrew Percy's call for more education against antisemitism noted. Brendan Clarke-Smith's maiden speech about visiting concentration camps highlighted. West Ham's Member Brown praised for supporting the Jewish community. Brigg and Goole's Scott Benton’s passion in his maiden speech acknowledged. Swansea East's Carolyn Harris spoke with passion on the industrial scale of the holocaust. Warrington North's Charlotte Nichols emphasised the importance of diversity. The salience of Holocaust Memorial Day must never be underestimated due to ongoing antisemitism. Reflection and remembrance are tools for preventing further atrocities, as genocide continues in other parts of the world. Commemorating D-Day 75 and VE day is crucial to ensuring that such abuses never take place again. We must educate people about prejudice's perils. The Holocaust Educational Trust and HMDT’s dedication commended. Combatting racism requires education; hate crime incidents rise with low prosecution rates. Labour party must implement EHRC recommendations on antisemitism. Eva Kor, an Auschwitz survivor, campaigned for holocaust awareness.

The speaker thanked hon. Members for their contributions to the debate, including maiden speeches from Scott Benton and Brendan Clarke-Smith, acknowledging their dedication to supporting business and community work. He also recognised Andrew Percy's commitment to addressing antisemitism by calling out inappropriate behaviour in Parliament. The speech included an emotional tribute to Edward Davey’s letter about a mother’s concern for her daughter Mirele, emphasising the need for vigilance against racism and discrimination. Additionally, he highlighted contributions from Charlotte Nichols, Bob Blackman, Crispin Blunt, Daniel Kawczynski, and Fabian Hamilton, praising their passionate advocacy and emotional stories shared during the debate.

The hon. Member noted that Prince Charles was in Israel for Holocaust Memorial Day, emphasising the significance of this visit to commemorate 6 million Jewish people murdered during the holocaust.

We remember. The debate is resolved to consider Holocaust Memorial Day.