Wuhan Coronavirus

Asked about screening at airports, monitoring flights from other Chinese cities, and contingency plans for the UK. She requested advice on what people should do if they have symptoms.

Inquired about information sent to local Chinese community centres and measures for those with relatives in Hong Kong.

Asked about the scale of the operation, support offered by the international community, communication with the World Health Organisation, and provision of information in different languages for Chinese communities.

Inquired about advice given to UK universities, particularly those with a large Chinese student population.

Expressed concern for residents of Wuhan and suggested raising awareness in Manchester’s Chinese community.

Asked about consular assistance being provided to British nationals caught up in affected areas.

The hon. Gentleman agrees with the Minister’s point that as survivors come to the end of their lives, we need to record and preserve their testimonies for future generations.

Furthering the previous points, the hon. Member asks if the Government will work with schools to bring the Holocaust Educational Trust’s activities to every part of the kingdom, stressing that understanding history is crucial for shaping the future.

Emphasises that elected officials should take concrete actions against antisemitic conspiracy theories and adhere to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of anti-semitism.

Suggests focusing on remembering rather than discussing proposals for a national memorial, recommending another day for detailed discussions about memorial specifications.

Supports the importance of a Holocaust memorial and learning centre to reinforce commitment to British Jews and prevent the country from embarking on dark paths like the holocaust.

Pays tribute to survivors, especially Mindu Hornick, for their work in Holocaust education. Emphasises the duty to ensure such events never occur again by fighting racism, using Primo Levi's insights on the ordinariness of perpetrators.

The hon. Gentleman raised concerns about Germany's refusal to pay war reparations to Poland for atrocities committed against Poles and Polish Jews, questioning the legitimacy of agreements made with communist-era governments imposed by Stalin.

The right hon. Lady pointed out that social media platforms are being exploited to silence debate on Israeli-Palestinian issues and fuel antisemitism, suggesting the need for better regulation of these platforms.

The hon. Gentleman paid tribute to past Labour party leaders who were champions against antisemitism during and after World War II, expressing a wish to restore the party's reputation in this regard.

The hon. Gentleman reflected on his work as co-chair of the all-party parliamentary group against antisemitism, emphasising the importance of education and addressing antisemitism wherever it occurs. He condemned conspiracy theories targeting George Soros.

The hon. Gentleman urged the condemnation of anti-Soros propaganda promoted by parts of the Hungarian Government, calling for Prime Minister Orbán to stop such anti-Semitic rhetoric.

Honoured the excellent speech by Andrew Percy and expressed her agreement on condemning antisemitism. She mentioned the terrible actions of individuals during the election who put through her door her own election leaflets with swastikas drawn over the part where she mentioned that her gran had escaped from Germany during the war.

Congratulated Andrew Percy on his newly acquired position as chair of the APPG and shared his feelings about the nomination to the House of Lords. She emphasised that antisemitism would only be abolished from mainstream political parties if there was a zero-tolerance approach shown by the collective leadership.

Congratulated Andrew Percy on his election to his new role on the all-party group. He commented on the work of the Holocaust Educational Trust in ensuring a new generation appreciates such an education.

Suggested working together to tackle unconscious racial bias and agreed that 100% would be interested in working with Anne on this. He emphasised the need for better education regarding antisemitism.

Agreed with Andrew Percy about the importance of funding as many young people as possible to visit battlefields and concentration camps, like Auschwitz. She highlighted her personal experience of visiting these sites which left an indelible mark.

Agreed with Andrew Percy on the importance of young people understanding the totality of the suffering and darkness witnessed during visits to battlefields and concentration camps. He highlighted the need for follow-up activities by the Holocaust Educational Trust.

Agrees with the importance of the young ambassadors programme to educate those who cannot visit Auschwitz. Praises the work of the Holocaust Educational Trust for their initiatives, such as 'Lessons from Auschwitz' which is crucial in light of fewer survivors available to speak.

Congratulates Mindu Hornick MBE for her services to Holocaust education, emphasising the importance of marking Holocaust Memorial Day in fighting antisemitism. Acknowledges that as survivors grow older, the next generation becomes crucial witnesses.

Praises colleagues for signing the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism. Stresses the importance of understanding what antisemitism is to fight it effectively, highlighting that progress has been made but challenges remain.

Reflects on her community's rich diversity and the work done by individuals like Ingrid Wuga for Holocaust education. Emphasises the importance of standing together against hate, challenging antisemitism wherever it appears.

Intervenes to agree with Kirsten Oswald's stance on those who fan the flames of hate and engage in conspiracy theories about the Holocaust being a disgrace to humanity.

Acknowledges Jack Dromey's intervention, highlighting the importance of education in preventing ignorance and fostering an understanding that intolerance gradually leads to hate. Encourages visiting historical archives like the Scottish Jewish Archives Centre for awareness.

Encourages everyone to visit the Scottish Jewish Archives Centre, reflecting on personal effects of Holocaust victims and the rapid rise of hate. Emphasises the need to learn from history to prevent future atrocities.

We need to reflect on hate and call it out. Educational visits like those to Auschwitz are vital for understanding the holocaust, as demonstrated by the impact of young Scottish women such as Danielle Bett and Kirsty Robson. These visits help ensure we remember individual victims. Kirsten also shared her personal experience visiting Yad Vashem, where she saw objects that reminded her of individuals’ lives cut short in unimaginable ways. She highlighted the importance of solidarity and standing together against man's inhumanity to man.

Emphasised the objectivity at Yad Vashem and its educational role, marking 75 years since Auschwitz’s liberation and highlighting other genocides. John also mentioned his visit to a concentration camp outside Lublin and underlined the importance of Holocaust Memorial Day, which this year focuses on standing together.

Agreed with John Howell about the significance of recognising other genocides. Mentioned the current case in the International Court of Justice regarding Rohingya Muslims and asked if lessons from past atrocities are being learned.

Proudly represented one of the largest Jewish communities in Leeds, noting a personal connection to the holocaust through his great-grandmother Reina Sevilla’s deportation and murder from Drancy via Paris.

Supported Fabian Hamilton's speech by discussing how his family history, including an ancestor who fled anti-Jewish pogroms in Poland, underscores the enduring importance of remembering the holocaust to prevent future tragedies.

The hon. Member recounts his father's discovery that his family had survived incarceration in Bergen-Belsen, and visits made to Salonica where he met a Holocaust survivor. He discusses the work of the Holocaust Survivors’ Friendship Association in establishing an interactive exhibition featuring holographic interviews with survivors.

The hon. Member urges recognition for Poles who were killed during the Holocaust for helping Jewish citizens, noting that Poland was the only occupied country to impose the death penalty for protecting Jews.

I thank the hon. Gentleman for that powerful intervention. I have always believed that the Poles played the most extraordinary role, and paid a high price for it, in the second world war. My heart goes out to all my Polish friends; I have many, and one of my best friends at school was Polish. He could not go back to Poland until after the end of communism, because his parents had fled the communist regime there. The Poles are a wonderful, brave people. They did so much to resist the Nazis and so much to protect their Jewish population—the largest in the whole of Europe before the second world war. My heart goes out to all Poles who played a vital part in protecting their Jewish citizens as well as their own, who suffered so much. Iby Knill was born in Bratislava. Later, she was smuggled across the border to Hungary, where she spent the first part of the war fighting the oppression of the Nazis, until she was eventually arrested as a communist and taken to Auschwitz No. 2 camp. While she was there, she teamed up with all the other women nurses, doctors and dentists—medically qualified people. She did that because, as she says in her book “The woman without a number”—again, I recommend it to all Members here—if people stayed together in solidarity, it was very hard for the Nazis to pick them off individually. She saw Dr Mengele every single day, but because she went to the camps in 1944, she survived. Iby married a British Army colonel after the war. After his death, she began to talk about her experiences. She had come to Leeds in the early 1960s, and she taught at universities and worked for the local authority. Now, at the age of 96, my constituent Iby writes, lectures and gives talks. Indeed, eight or nine years ago, she did a talk for Members in Speaker’s House, with the blessing of the former Speaker, John Bercow. Some may remember it; it was a very moving occasion. Trude Silman is another survivor. She came from Bratislava during the war, on the Kindertransport. She is 91 now. She is a very close friend of mine and my wife’s: we see her every other week if we possibly can, and I was with her at the weekend. She is a contributor to the exhibition at Huddersfield University, and figures large in it. Eugene Black I have mentioned. John Chillag, who died recently as well, was another holocaust survivor in the city of Leeds. But the person I want to end my contribution by describing is someone who was born on 14 February 1920—two years before my own father was born—and died on 1 January this year, six weeks before his 100th birthday. His name was Heinz Skyte. Heinz was absolutely extraordinary. He was the founding director of the Leeds Jewish Welfare Board and the Leeds Jewish Housing Association, organisations that have done so much for so many Jewish people who have been so underprivileged and have had so many problems in their own lives in the city of Leeds. He made an incredible contribution.

Delivered his maiden speech as a new Member of Parliament for Bassetlaw, highlighting his journey from growing up in a poor area to becoming an MP. Emphasised the diversity of his constituency and its historical connection to the Mayflower, stressing the importance of religious freedom and tolerance. Also mentioned his background as a schoolteacher and visits to the National Holocaust Centre and Museum.

Congratulated Brendan Clarke-Smith on his speech and paid tribute to those who fought against Nazi oppression, both Jewish individuals and their non-Jewish supporters. Highlighted the bravery of the Warsaw ghetto uprising and the Bielski partisans. Discussed the plight of Jews in Poland under German occupation and the severe conditions they faced in the ghetto, including starvation, disease, and cold.

Acknowledged that some Poles were killed for helping their Jewish friends and neighbours during World War II. Emphasised the extreme brutality faced by his family members, who witnessed their children being shot before being executed themselves for aiding Jews.

Ms Lyn Brown emphasised the importance of remembering heroic actions during World War II, such as those by Jan and Antonina Zabinski and Dr Felix Kanabus. She highlighted their efforts in sheltering Jews and defying Nazi laws. Ms Brown also criticised current manifestations of racism around the world and stressed the active role individuals must take to combat hatred.

Mr Stephen Crabb paid tribute to Holocaust survivors who have passed away, such as Rudi Oppenheimer and Ron Jones. He acknowledged their contributions in teaching young people about the past and combating antisemitism. Mr Crabb also expressed support for the work of the Holocaust Educational Trust.

Mr Daniel Kawczynski suggested that school visits to Auschwitz should be extended beyond a single day trip. He hoped that students would have more time to see other parts of Poland, such as Krakow, to get a fuller understanding of the country.

He praised Chelsea Football Club for its efforts in combating antisemitism, highlighting the club's 'Say No To Antisemitism' campaign and partnerships with various organisations. He noted that football has significant cultural influence and commended Chelsea’s work, which includes collaboration with institutions like the Holocaust Educational Trust and the Anne Frank House.

He questioned whether universities such as Warwick should sign up to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, which addresses the 'Israelification' of antisemitism. He supported his own work on condemning this issue.

He emphasised that antisemitism in contemporary society often manifests as hatred towards Israel and criticised those who indulge in conspiracy theories related to Jewish stereotypes. He also defended the state of Israel, asserting its importance in providing a safe homeland for Jews.

He expressed his support for Israel both biblically and politically and highlighted the importance of preserving holocaust survivors' stories. He mentioned attending a recent event where he met a survivor from his constituency, emphasising the need to educate new generations about the horrors of the past.

He agreed that it is crucial for the Northern Ireland Executive to continue educational programmes like 'Lessons from Auschwitz' to ensure future generations understand and combat racism, hatred, and antisemitism.

Jim Shannon emphasised the importance of understanding historical events like Auschwitz to ensure that future generations learn from them. He discussed the ongoing presence of antisemitism and called for political leaders to recognise and address this issue courageously. He also highlighted the need for fair criticism of Israel, noting instances where Members criticised Israel without acknowledging contradictory evidence later presented. Shannon stressed the responsibility of all parliamentarians to avoid fostering division and hatred while upholding standards that apply equally to other nations.

Thanked Members for their contributions, congratulated his predecessor Gordon Marsden and thanked residents of Blackpool for trusting him to serve as their MP. Pledged support for the town's history, heritage, tourism, economy, and enterprise culture. Advocated for economic investment in northern infrastructure and free trade with allies. Emphasised the importance of UK-Israel relations, condemning antisemitism and terrorist groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.

I congratulate the hon. Member for Blackpool South on his excellent maiden speech... Holocaust Memorial Day gives us the opportunity to stop and reflect; to remember those who were lost; to pay tribute to those who risked their own safety to help; and to ensure that we will never forget the innocent victims of this dreadful and evil crime.

It is a great pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Swansea East, who made a powerful speech... I assure Members that the people of Chichester stand together with them.

Edward Davey shared his experiences from a visit to Auschwitz organised by the Holocaust Educational Trust, highlighting the importance of individual stories in understanding the holocaust. He read an emotional letter from a mother to her two-year-old daughter who was being sent away for safety during the war, illustrating the personal impact of such events. Davey also discussed academic studies on genocide prevention, particularly Gregory Stanton's 10 stages of genocide, and emphasised the need for early intervention and education to prevent future atrocities.

Kearns emphasised the need to combat antisemitism and highlighted historical instances such as Samuel Hoare's pledge in 1938. She also shared a story about an Oakham family who took in a Jewish child during World War II, underscoring the importance of providing sanctuary to those in danger.

Blunt commented on his experience as special adviser during the Srebrenica genocide and stressed the need for peacekeeping missions to have the capacity to prevent such events from happening again. He emphasised that the international community must avoid being complicit in atrocities.

Stewart, who led troops into Srebrenica in 1993, expressed regret over their withdrawal and suggested that if British soldiers had remained, the massacre of 8,400 men and boys might have been prevented. He stressed the importance of taking responsibility for protecting people.

Ms Nichols paid tribute to holocaust survivors and the work of educational trusts, highlighting the importance of first-hand testimony in educating young people. She recounted her visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau as a teenager and reflected on the mechanised nature of the Holocaust. Ms Nichols also shared an inspiring story about Derviš Korkut, who saved the Sarajevo Haggadah from destruction during the Nazi occupation of Sarajevo. She emphasised the importance of upholding diversity in Britain and not being bystanders to evil. The MP discussed her involvement with Remembering Srebrenica’s Lessons From Srebrenica programme and highlighted the resilience of victims such as Munira Subašić, whose plea for clemency for a Serb soldier was particularly moving. Ms Nichols resolved that communities must come together to prevent future atrocities from occurring.