Nick Smith MP is calling on constituents to pay tribute to victims and survivors alike in the run up to Holocaust Memorial Day.

The Blaenau Gwent MP signed the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Book of Commitment this week as part of a pledge to honour those murdered during the Holocaust.

Saturday 27th January will mark the anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration and death camp Auschwitz-Birkenau, the site of the largest mass murder in history.

After signing the Book of Commitment, Mr Smith said: “Holocaust Memorial Day is an important opportunity for people from Blaenau Gwent and across the country to reflect on the tragic events of the Holocaust.

“As the Holocaust moves from living history it becomes ever more important that we take the time to remember the victims and also pay tribute to the survivors. I would encourage my constituents to show their support for such an important day.”

In the lead up to and on Holocaust Memorial Day, thousands of commemorative events will be arranged by schools, faith groups and community organisations across the country, remembering all the victims of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides. 

Karen Pollock MBE, Chief Executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, said:  “The Holocaust did not start in the gas chambers but with hate filled words. Our mission is to educate young people from every background about the Holocaust and its contemporary relevance.

“We are very grateful to Nick Smith MP for signing the Book of Commitment, signalling a continued commitment to remembering the victims of the Holocaust as well as challenging antisemitism, prejudice and bigotry in all its forms.”