Angela Watkinson

Conservative Party | Upminster

Local MP commits to safeguard the legacy of Holocaust survivors

2 February 2010

Angela Watkinson MP for Upminster pledged her commitment to Holocaust Memorial Day by signing a Book of Commitment in the House of Commons to honour those who perished in the Holocaust.

With 27th January marking the 65th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration and extermination camp, Auschwitz-Birkenau, the Holocaust Educational Trust placed a Book of Commitment in the House of Commons to give MPs the opportunity to remember those who were persecuted and murdered during the Holocaust - and to support a 'Legacy of Hope', learning from survivors' experiences to help create a future free from hatred and prejudice.

In doing so, Angela paid tribute to those remarkable individuals who survived the appalling events of the Holocaust and have since dedicated their lives to educating younger generations about the dangers of allowing persecution and intolerance to take hold in society. This year is the ninth year that Holocaust Memorial Day has been commemorated in the UK.

Angela said,
"Holocaust survivors are extraordinary people. We have a duty to them to pass on the lessons of the Holocaust to future generations. Holocaust Memorial Day gives us an opportunity to reflect on the legacy of Holocaust survivors, to commemorate the millions who died under Hitler's regime and to commit to a future free from racism and discrimination."

Karen Pollock, chief executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust said:
"We are delighted that Angela Watkinson is supporting Holocaust Memorial Day. Remembering and learning about the Holocaust is more important now than ever before. This year's theme, 'The Legacy of Hope' highlights the important role young people have to play in taking the Survivors' mantle forward and educating their peers about the Holocaust.