Holocaust Memorial Bill - Clause 1 (Changing the London County Council (Improvements) Act 1900)

Raises concerns about a lack of public consultation and opposition from Westminster City Council. Suggests the memorial should be in a location chosen after wider consultation.

Questions whether there was any public consultation between September 2015 and January 2016 regarding the memorial's location. Requests clarification on this matter.

Raises concerns about environmental protections for Victoria Tower gardens and inquires about funding the Jewish Museum to preserve recognition of Holocaust history. Also asks how the memorial will complement the Thomas Fowell Buxton monument.

Supports swift action on establishing a national holocaust memorial, noting that there are now few Holocaust survivors and thus urgent need to proceed. Emphasises the importance of the memorial being in a prominent location.

Agrees with the Secretary of State's arguments, stating that Westminster is an ideal location due to its proximity to Parliament and importance in our history.

Agrees that Jewish people objecting mainly do so because of the lengthy process rather than the location itself, advocating for prompt establishment of the memorial.

Labour strongly supports this Bill for a national memorial to mark and remember the Holocaust. The speaker emphasises the importance of political courage in combating antisemitism, which remains prevalent in modern society. She highlights the need to educate future generations about the horrors of the past and stresses the significance of the memorial's location near the Palace of Westminster as a symbol of commitment to remembering and preventing history from repeating itself.

Acknowledges the importance of the memorial in remembering the Holocaust's truths and learning its lessons, especially after her predecessor was targeted due to allyship with the Jewish community.

Agrees with the Secretary of State about the importance of positioning the memorial near Parliament to symbolize the nation's commitment to remembering past horrors.

Supports the memorial as an essential educational facility for learning lessons from the Holocaust and ensuring its events are never repeated. Urges swift action to honour holocaust survivors while they are alive.

Emphasises the importance of stopping debates about location and moving forward with placing the memorial in a central London site for maximum visibility and accessibility.

Raises concerns that despite support, the process could be long due to Select Committee involvement, suggesting potential delays contrary to the bill's goal of swift progress.

Acknowledges the sincerity of those opposing the memorial's siting within the Jewish community, citing several individuals who are against the chosen location.

Mr Bottomley expresses concern over the lack of public consultation and the proposed site in Victoria Tower Gardens. He mentions that his amendment does not kill clause 1, which he supports due to its necessity for legislative authority on future payments.

The hon. Member supports the construction of a Holocaust memorial in London, focusing on education and remembrance to ensure that history is preserved as time passes and survivors become fewer. She cites concerns raised by the Chief Rabbi and Karen Pollock from the Holocaust Educational Trust about the urgency of completing the memorial. She also highlights the importance of ensuring accessibility for holocaust survivors' testimonies, especially after the closure of the Jewish Museum in London due to funding issues.

Argues against building the memorial at Victoria Tower Gardens due to concerns over loss of green space, environmental impacts from construction, and design issues. Emphasises the importance of local community parks in densely populated urban areas.

Intervenes to highlight the importance of the memorial's location for future generations and as a reminder about the dangers of racism and antisemitism.

Intervenes to clarify that the loss is not permanent but temporary during construction. Acknowledges concerns about park disruption during the building phase.

Raises concerns about lack of consultation, noting that Westminster City Council had initially rejected the proposal. Suggests that up to 30% of the park will be lost.

Points out discrepancies in Government claims regarding consultation and local council support for calling in the application.

Mr. Trickett argued that a monument to the Holocaust should be placed alongside other monuments in Parliament Square, as it reflects on important historical struggles for emancipation. He emphasised the importance of fighting antisemitism and racism, drawing from his family's history and personal experiences.

Mr. Bottomley suggested that the holocaust memorial could be placed where the Buxton family memorial was previously located, which is also in Parliament Square, proposing a different site from the one currently proposed by the Government.

Mr. Raab acknowledged Mr. Trickett's personal account, expressing concern about losing the living testimony from holocaust survivors without having a powerful memorial in place.

I rise to speak in favour of the Bill, which I am pleased to see presented to the House for its Second Reading. The need for a permanent memorial and learning centre to remember the lives of those who perished in the holocaust has never been more pressing. As the number of survivors dwindles, our generation must ensure that the lives lost are not forgotten. The placement of a permanent physical memorial adjacent to Parliament is crucial as it serves as a stark reminder of the atrocities committed during the holocaust and places the UK on par with other nations in demonstrating its commitment to remembering this tragedy. Additionally, the rise in antisemitism necessitates educational efforts to combat hate; the learning centre will educate people about the horrors of the holocaust and help prevent future occurrences of such prejudice.

I support the construction of the holocaust memorial and learning centre. The memorial should be located near the heart of British democracy to serve as a permanent signpost of our commitment to human rights and rejection of anti-Jewish racism. It serves as a reminder that we must act against mass murder, racial injustice, and acts of terror worldwide. Reflecting on our recent past regarding antisemitism is necessary; the memorial will help ensure such issues are not ignored in the future. A tangible reminder on our doorstep keeps us vigilant against hate crimes and helps educate people about the horrors faced during the holocaust.

Welcomes the Bill and the proposed memorial, emphasising its importance as a reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust. Supports the location in Victoria Tower Gardens despite sensitivities, advocating for respect towards the Jewish community's loss and ongoing challenges with antisemitism. Highlights the work of educational trusts and schools in promoting awareness and education on genocide.

Mr. Crabb supports the Bill, emphasising its significance as a national project to commemorate the holocaust and promote education on this subject. He acknowledges the cross-party consensus supporting the memorial project, praising the work of co-chairs Lord Pickles and Ed Balls, alongside organisations such as the Holocaust Educational Trust and the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust. Crabb also highlights the importance of preserving memories through a national memorial near Westminster, expressing hope that the Bill will pass with strong support.

Leigh argues that Victoria Tower gardens is unsuitable due to space constraints, potential flooding risks, and the impact on views of Westminster. He suggests alternative locations such as the Imperial War Museum or College Green for a more fitting memorial. Leigh emphasises the importance of preserving green spaces in a crowded area and stresses the need for a compromise.

The holocaust memorial will complement existing memorials, such as the Buxton memorial in Victoria Tower Gardens. The proposed development is sensitive and respectful to the park's environment, with only 7.5% of the area being used for the memorial and learning centre. There are prominent supporters within the Jewish community who back the project, and it aligns with the recommendations of the Holocaust Commission.

Agrees that visits to sites like Auschwitz reinforce the devastating impact of the holocaust, making it imperative to ensure these events are not forgotten. Supports the inclusion of holocaust education in school syllabuses.

Questions the size and impact of the proposed memorial compared to existing memorials, suggesting it would overshadow other sites like the Buxton memorial.

Supports the Bill, emphasising the importance of remembering the Holocaust and educating future generations. Acknowledges criticisms but believes the project should proceed to ensure completion while survivors are still alive.

[INTERVENTION] Emphasises Britain's role in fighting Nazism and fascism from the start of World War II to its end, supporting the construction of the memorial.

[INTERVENTION] Points out that the cost of the project has risen significantly due to inflation and compares it unfavorably with similar projects abroad, questioning its value for money.

Interjected briefly during Felicity Buchan's speech, questioning whether the placement of the memorial in Victoria Tower gardens will change the park's character from a neighbourhood park to a civic area.

Puts forward the reasoned amendment opposing the placement of the memorial in Victoria Tower gardens. However, he withdraws his amendment without further debate.