: Proposed Holocaust Memorial is about remembering the
past and safeguarding the future
"The proposed Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre is a project
of national significance, backed by every living Prime Minister
and the current Leader of the Opposition.
“It is vitally important that we continue the task of educating,
explaining and remembering the Holocaust. It’s about making the
point that democracy is about so much more than just holding
elections, it is about tolerance and never forgetting where
prejudice and bigotry and hatred can lead.
The Memorial’s location next to Parliament, which is such a
symbol of our nationhood, makes a statement that is a permanent
affirmation about the values of tolerance and diversity in our
society. The co-location of the Learning Centre matters for
understanding the past, combatting Holocaust denial and educating
new generations about the dangers of allowing hatred to grow in
our society.”
Rt Hon was giving evidence at the public inquiry into the UK
Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre today (3rd
November 2020)
ENDS
Background to the Memorial
The Government, with cross-party support, has committed to
building a new national Memorial to the Holocaust with a Learning
Centre, alongside the Houses of Parliament.
As Co-Chairs of the UK Holocaust Memorial Foundation, Rt Hon
and advise the
Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government
who is responsible within Government for the delivery of the
project and is accountable to Parliament.
In January 2016 the then Prime Minister announced that the chosen
location for the Memorial was Victoria Tower Gardens,
Westminster. Victoria Tower Gardens was chosen as its historical,
emotional and political significance substantially outweighed all
other locations, and offered the greatest potential impact and
visibility for the project.
After an international competition, with 92 entries in total and
10 finalists, Adjaye Associates, Ron Arad Architects and
Gustafson Porter + Bowman were selected unanimously as the
winning team, by a jury including the then Secretary of State for
Communities and Local Government, the Mayor of London, the Chief
Rabbi, experts from architecture, art and design, and both first
and second-generation Holocaust survivors. The announcement was
made on 24 October 2017.
In November 2019 the Housing Minister decided to call in the
planning application for determination at the national level
because of the project’s significant effects beyond the immediate
locality. The public inquiry is currently taking place, chaired
by a planning inspector.
