Speaker introduces new Holocaust Memorial Day commemoration

The international date remembers the six million Jews murdered under Nazi persecution, and the victims of subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur. 

‘Be the light in the darkness’ is the theme chosen by the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust - which acts as a call to action to encourage everyone to reflect on the depths to which humanity can sink. 

For the first time, Sir Lindsay Hoyle will hold a short socially distanced ceremony marking the event, with a reading and the lighting of a candle in Portcullis House, to urge colleagues to "stand together, especially with those who are suffering". 

"As we commemorate 76 years since the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau - the largest Nazi concentration and death camp - we remember the millions of people whose lives were lost, and families torn apart by hatred," he said.  

"If the last nine months of Covid have taught us anything, it is how interconnected we are, and how we achieve far more together than apart. 

"Now, more than ever, we need to ‘be the light in the darkness’ – to take a moment to call out and counter messages of hate, exclusion and intolerance, and instead work together to create a better, safer and happier future."

To support the ‘National Moment’ the Palace of Westminster will be among iconic buildings and landmarks across the country to be lit up in purple on 27 January, to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day. 

Mr Speaker said he hoped the candle-lighting ceremony in Portcullis House will introduce a new tradition, to help MPs and staff recognise the experiences of colleagues, friends and constituents past and present. 

"After all, Parliament is a diverse community, serving a diverse nation," he said. 

"Survivors of the Holocaust are our friends and our family. They live among us, and it is thanks to their brave testimony - often to schools, colleges, and also to each of us individually - that we learn the lessons of the past; that genocide is a steady process that begins if discrimination, racism and hatred are not checked or prevented." 

On Wednesday 27 January, the House of Lords will ask the government about the steps it is taking to improve education in schools about the Holocaust in order to promote tolerance and combat racism.

On Thursday 28 January, MPs will hold a general debate to mark Holocaust Memorial Day. Find out more here.