Scotland to remember Holocaust victims

26 Jan 2000

Scotland Office Minister Brian Wilson said today that there would be national and local events in Scotland to mark the first Holocaust Memorial Day to be held on 27 January 2001.

Speaking following the decision by the Prime Minister to establish an annual Holocaust Memorial Day, Mr Wilson said:

"The horrendous crimes of the Holocaust must never be forgotten and each new generation should understand its continuing relevance.

"I very much welcome the fact that one of the key aims of the Memorial Day is educational, and that it will promote the benefits of a tolerant society free from prejudice and racism.

"Scots of all ages will welcome the opportunity of joining the rest of Europe in remembering all the victims who died or suffered at the hands of the Nazis and in more recent atrocities.

"The Scotland Office will be liaising closely with the Scottish Government, the Home Office and other organisations, particularly those representative of the Jewish community, to develop plans for the first national ceremony next year. Further details will be announced in due course. There should, however, be a range of national and local events in Scotland and I hope that as many organisations and individuals as possible will participate in these."

NOTES TO NEWS EDITORS

  1. The Prime Minister today announced that 27 January 2001 will be the UK’s first Holocaust Memorial Day. 27 January is the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau.
  2. The Day will honour the memory of the victims of genocide. It also represents the UK’s continuing commitment to oppose racism, anti-Semitism, and victimisation, and will provide a national platform to raise awareness and understanding of the Holocaust and wider issues of tolerance and good citizenship.
  3. Consideration is being given by the Government to inviting three public figures to participate in a steering group that will plan and deliver the first national ceremony next year. They will be supported by a working group comprising relevant Government Departments and leading organisations and individuals with a particular interest or expertise in Holocaust issues.
  4. Media can obtain further details of the Prime Minister’s Holocaust Memorial Day announcement from the Home Office by telephoning 0171-273 4650.