The SNP has marked Holocaust Memorial Day in a debate in the
House of Commons, warning against growing intolerance and
anti-semitism across the world.
Leading for the SNP in the debate, highlighted the
importance of hearing the voices of Holocaust survivors to ensure
their testimony is preserved for future generations to learn
from.
Holocaust Memorial Day is an opportunity to remember the millions
of Jews, along with Roma, Sinti and other people murdered under
Nazi persecution, and in the genocides which followed in
Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, and Darfur, simply because of their
identity.
Commenting, said:
“It’s Burns Night tonight, and his famous line: “Man’s inhumanity
to man makes countless thousands mourn” well stands the test of
time when we look at the world today, and when we look at the
Holocaust and the impact down the generations.
“I am often frustrated by the increasing polarisation of
politics, and views. There are far more shades than black and
white, and public discourse is always the better for appreciating
that, and for trying to understand the spectrum of views that are
different to one’s own.
“But in this subject, that can never hold true. This is one of
those cases where black and white is the only way to look at
things.
“We all have a responsibility to stand up against antisemitism,
intolerance, and hatred in all its forms, to make sure that the
horrors of the Holocaust are never repeated.
“I have heard the testimonies of Holocaust survivors, and know
how vital it is that their voices are preserved to ensure future
generations can hear the reality of what happened, and learn the
lessons of the past.
"The theme of this year's Holocaust Memorial Day is the Fragility
of Freedom. Freedom is fragile, and we are all the key to
sustaining and strengthening it. Let’s heed the terrible lessons
of the past, and work hard to keep the voices of those who
survived alive, so that those who come after us can do the
same.
“I am grateful to the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust and Holocaust
Educational Trust who work so hard to ensure that the lessons of
the Holocaust continue to be shared and that the voices of
survivors are central to that.”
