Sunday January 27th marked the 68th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the Nazi concentration and extermination camp which is the site of the largest mass murder in history. In the weeks running up to the day, the Holocaust Educational Trust (HET) placed a Book of Commitment in the House of Commons, giving MPs the chance to honour those who were savagely persecuted and killed during the Holocaust and encouraging constituents to work together to combat prejudice and racism in society today.

When I signed the Book of Commitment Emily Thornberry I paid tribute to those who perished during the Holocaust, which included honouring the German side of my husband’s family -; all of whom perished in concentration camps. It was also an opportunity for me to show my gratitude to the extraordinary Holocaust survivors who work tirelessly to make sure lessons are learned from Europe’s darkest hour.

I am lucky to represent a diverse constituency that has people from all different walks of life, peacefully living together side by side. Sadly, this is not the case in some societies and Holocaust Memorial Day is an important opportunity to remember those who suffered senselessly and to reinforce our commitment to fight prejudice and racism that remains in certain societies today.

Karen Pollock MBE, Chief Executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, said:

 “We are proud that Emily Thornberry is supporting Holocaust Memorial Day this year. It is vitally important that we both remember and learn from the appalling events of the Holocaust -; as well as ensuring that we continue to challenge all forms of hatred and bigotry.”