Holocaust Memorial Bill
Explanatory Notes
The Government today (23rd February) introduced new legislation
that will progress the construction of a national Holocaust
memorial.
Located next to the Houses of Parliament, the memorial will serve
as a powerful reminder to the whole nation of the Holocaust, its
victims and where prejudice can lead if unchallenged.
The Holocaust Memorial Bill, announced by The Prime Minister in
January, updates legislation dating back to the Victorian times,
removing a statutory obstacle that has previously prevented
the building of a new memorial and learning centre in
Victoria Tower Gardens in Westminster.
Levelling Up Secretary Rt Hon MP said:
“As a nation, it is vital we learn from the past to build a
future which is free from prejudice and hatred.
“This memorial will rightly sit at the heart of Westminster,
alongside other great symbols of our democracy, and will act as
an inspiration to the whole nation for generations to come.
“Today’s Bill is timely as the remaining survivors are becoming
older and fewer in number, meaning it is vital that we push ahead
with the Memorial – we owe it to the six million Jewish
people who were murdered.”
Planning consent for the Holocaust Memorial to be built in
Victoria Tower Gardens was granted in July 2021, but the decision
was quashed by the High Court in April 2022 due to historical
legislation passed in 1900 to extend the gardens.
This Bill seeks to remove this obstacle and ensure that the
project can be completed as efficiently and cost effectively as
possible.
Careful design means the memorial will enhance the gardens,
ensuring they continue to provide an important public garden
available to residents and visitors to Westminster. Paths and
seating will be more attractive and accessible, and landscaping
improvements will enhance the local environment.
The memorial and learning centre will be free to visitors, with
timed entry tickets.
Notes to editors
- The proposal to construct a new national Memorial to the
Holocaust, with an accompanying learning centre, was announced by
the then Prime Minister with cross-party support in January 2015,
and the decision to build the memorial at Victoria Tower Gardens
was announced in January 2016.
- Following an international competition, a design team of
Adjaye Associates, Ron Arad Associates and Gustafson Porter +
Bowman was selected. A planning application was submitted in
December 2018 and planning consent was granted in July 2021,
following a lengthy public inquiry
