This week Houghton and Sunderland South MP, Bridget Phillipson signed aBook of Commitment in the House of Commons, in doing so pledging hercommitment to Holocaust Memorial Day and honouring those who died duringthe Holocaust.

Today, Friday 27th January, will mark the 67th anniversary of theliberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the Nazi concentration andextermination camp which is the site of the largest mass murder inhistory -; and in the weeks running up to the day, the HolocaustEducational Trust placed a Book of Commitment in the House of Commons,giving MPs the chance to honour those who were persecuted and killedduring their Holocaust and encouraging constituents to actively speakout against prejudice and bigotry today.

In signing the Book of Commitment Bridget paid tribute to theextraordinary men and women who having survived the Holocaust, work toeducate young people about what they endured, through the HolocaustEducational Trust’s Outreach programme.

In the weeks around Holocaust Memorial Day, thousands of commemorativeevents will bearranged by schools, faith groups and community organisations across thecountry, remembering all the victims of the Holocaust and subsequentgenocides. This year, people will also be encouraged to take a standagainst racism and prejudice today -; and to speak out against hatredwherever they encounter it.

After signing the Book of Commitment, Bridget said:

“Holocaust Memorial Day marks the anniversary of the liberation ofAuschwitz-Birkenau -; and is an important opportunity to both rememberthe victims of genocide. I encourage all constituents to mark the dayand to commit to ‘speaking up and speaking out’ against prejudice today.”

Karen Pollock MBE, Chief Executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, said:
“We are proud that Bridget is supporting Holocaust Memorial Day thisyear. It is vitallyimportant that we both remember and learn from the appalling events ofthe Holocaust -; as well as ensuring that we continue to challenge allforms of bigotry.”