HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL DAY - BE THE LIGHT

I was proud to once again speak in the House of Commons annual debate on Holocaust Memorial Day, a day which commemorates one of the worst atrocities in human history; the systematic murder of six million Jews in Nazi Germany.

It is shameful that neither anti-Semitism nor genocide are consigned to history, instead we have seen an increase in anti-Semitism in recent years, with some synagogues feeling it necessary to post armed guards outside to safeguard their congregation.

We are also seeing a genocide unfold before our very eyes in China, as the Chinese Government systematically persecutes the Uyghur population in Xinjiang.

The events in Nazi Germany has taught us that hatred must be confronted and condemned wherever it lurks. All democratic nations have a moral duty to hold those nations who abuse human rights to account.

The theme of this year’s commemorations is Be The Light - not just be the light of hope but a beacon of light that the international community must shine on brutal regimes which perpetrate atrocities against any group in their society and condemn such persecution unequivocally.

I reiterated calls that the House of Commons must support an amendment to the Trade Bill to terminate any trade deal with any country found to be committing genocide. We cannot allow those who commit such evil to continue unchallenged.

You can watch my contribution below.