The Mayor of London, , has today called on Westminster
Council leaders to approve plans for a Holocaust Memorial that
will make a “powerful national statement” and show commitment to
fighting intolerance in all its forms.
In a letter to the Council, the Mayor said the proposals,
which include a monument and education centre in Victoria
Tower Gardens, next to the Palace of Westminster, would be a
fitting tribute to the victims of the Holocaust.
Sadiq has vowed to be a leader for all faiths and to fight
intolerance in the capital. He was proud to have been
invited to be involved in this memorial from an early stage,
including as a jury member for the design competition, which
attracted 11,000 comments from the public.
However, in March this year, Sadiq first voiced his deep
concern that the Holocaust Memorial might not be approved,
despite the location being agreed by Westminster Council and The
Royal Parks. The Mayor remains fearful that the plans may be
rejected following objections about the impact of views at
Victoria Tower Gardens. He supports concerns made by the UK
Holocaust Memorial Foundation Advisory Board which
had expressed its misgivings about the planning process.
The Mayor of London, , said: “As we see
the scourge of anti-Semitism and hate crime increasing across our
country, now more than ever we need a National Holocaust
Memorial, so we can learn the lessons from history, as well as
pay tribute to the victims of the Nazi genocide.
“It will show our commitment to fighting extremism and
intolerance in all forms and make a powerful national statement
about our democracy and its values, reminding us what can happen
when hatred is left unchecked.
“I have previously expressed my fear however that these plans
would be rejected. Westminster City Council must follow the
proper consultation process for this planning application and
show transparency by fully explaining how it reached its
decision.
“I therefore urge Westminster City Council not to reject these
plans and instead enable this hugely important national Memorial
to take its rightful place in the heart of the capital and
close to the seat of national government.”
The Mayor has regularly spoken of the importance of tackling hate
crime and has been a strong supporter of the Jewish community.
His first official engagement as Mayor was attending the Yom
HaShoah event at Barnet Copthall Stadium. Earlier this year he
met Jewish faith leaders and Holocaust survivors at City Hall’s
annual commemoration of Holocaust Memorial Day and the UK
ceremony.
Last year he attended the Board of Deputies of British Jews
annual dinner, attended Yom HaShoah, broke his fast during
Ramadan at the St John's Wood Synagogue and visited the Memorial
to the Murdered Jews of Europe in Berlin.
