Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

Holocaust Memorial Bill 2026-01-20

20 January 2026 · 13 other contributors

Opened by Miatta Fahnbulleh Con Hammersmith

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

At a glance

Miatta Fahnbulleh raised concerns about holocaust memorial bill 2026-01-20 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government introduced the Holocaust Memorial Bill on 2026-01-20.
  • The Bill aims to establish a national Holocaust memorial and learning centre focusing on education about the Holocaust and antisemitism.
  • The Government committed to clear governance arrangements to ensure the learning centre remains focused on its intended purpose.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Miatta Fahnbulleh Con Hammersmith

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government introduced the Holocaust Memorial Bill. She emphasised that the Bill aims to establish a national Holocaust memorial and learning centre, focusing on the education about the Holocaust and antisemitism. The Bill authorises expenditure for construction and operation but does not provide planning powers; those will be sought through a separate statutory process. The Government is committed to clear governance arrangements and ensuring that the learning centre remains focused on its intended purpose.

Other contributors (13)
  • Julian Lewis Con New Forest East

    Asked for confirmation that the Bill would remain specific to the Holocaust, avoiding a broader interpretation. He expressed concern about any deviation from this intention.

  • James Cleverly Con Braintree

    Welcomed the assurances provided by the Government regarding the purpose of the learning centre and its focus on educating future generations about the Holocaust and antisemitism. He noted that constructive discussions have been held to address concerns raised during the Bill's passage.

  • Chris Vince Lab/Co-op Harlow

    Emphasised the importance of the Bill in ensuring remembrance continues after survivors are no longer with us. Highlighted local efforts and interfaith work to combat antisemitism, emphasising education as a key tool.

  • Marie Goldman LD Chelmsford

    Ms Goldman supports the Bill, emphasising the importance of education and remembrance. She mentioned the alarming rise in hate crimes fuelled by political extremism and the need for robust security measures to ensure safety at places of worship. Additionally, she highlighted the importance of timely delivery of the memorial, noting that the project was committed to 11 years ago.

  • Victoria Collins LD Harpenden and Berkhamsted

    Ms Collins spoke about ensuring that Holocaust survivor Kitty Hart-Moxon can see this memorial before she turns 100, highlighting the importance of bridging the gap between generations. She emphasised that the memorial should be a tribute to the work done by survivors like Hart-Moxon.

  • Edward Leigh Con Gainsborough

    Sir Edward Leigh opposed the Bill, raising concerns about the lack of consensus among Jewish and local communities regarding the site's suitability. He pointed out issues such as flooding risks, damage to public green spaces, and inadequate plans for managing visitor traffic.

  • Scott Arthur Lab Edinburgh South West

    Dr Arthur emphasised the need for leadership in ensuring that a national memorial is established next to the home of democracy in the UK. He argued against further delays, highlighting the importance of celebrating what was done well during World War II and marking what went wrong.

  • Josh Babarinde LD Eastbourne

    Welcomes the spirit of the amendment and Bill, praising Dorit Oliver-Wolff's work in Holocaust education. Stresses the importance of education as a defence against hate, highlighting antisemitic attacks in Eastbourne and elsewhere.

  • Susan Murray LD Mid Dunbartonshire

    Highlights recent spikes in antisemitic abuse and reports widespread failures to address anti-Jewish discrimination. Emphasises the need for education about Holocaust and antisemitism, stressing that memorialisation must go hand-in-hand with understanding.

  • Steve Barclay Con North East Cambridgeshire

    Supports the principle of the Bill but raises concerns over security and design. Urges for transparency regarding potential cost overruns and challenges, particularly in light of ongoing restoration programmes.

  • Miatta Fahnbulleh Lab Constituency Unspecified

    The hon. Member emphasised the ongoing issue of antisemitism, stating that it is prevalent in modern society. She reassured the House about the Government's commitment to making sure Jewish friends feel safe and secure, noting the importance of remembering the Holocaust to prevent future atrocities.

  • Edward Leigh Con Gainsborough

    The Father of the House pointed out issues regarding the location of the memorial centre, although he acknowledged extensive consultation during the planning process involving 4,500 responses and a public inquiry. He emphasised that while there have been debates about the site, they are increasingly settled.

  • Steve Barclay Con North East Cambridgeshire

    The right hon. Member called for transparency in the process, noting the consensus needed to move forward and the importance of continued engagement with communities and the House to ensure progress on establishing the Holocaust memorial.

Government Response

Reiterated the Government's commitment to establish a national Holocaust memorial and learning centre focusing on education about the Holocaust and antisemitism. Discussed governance arrangements, including clear governing documents for future operations. Acknowledges cross-party support while addressing strongly held views on the Bill's implementation. Commits to moving at pace to conclude construction during survivors' lifetime and stresses the importance of remembering for future generations.

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