Holocaust Memorial Day - Warrington 'stands against hatred'

Holocaust Memorial Day takes place on January 27, which is the anniversary of the liberation of one of the most notorious Nazi concentration camps: Auschwitz-Birkenau.

The Holocaust saw the mass extermination of millions of people throughout Europe, including approximately six million Jews.

Town hall leaders have paid tribute to those murdered during the Holocaust and beyond (Image: Newsquest)

Leading the tributes from the town is the Mayor of Warrington, councillor Jean Flaherty: "Holocaust Memorial Day is a time for everyone to remember the millions of people who were murdered during the Holocaust and in other genocides across the world.

“It gives us the opportunity to reflect on the suffering of all those who endured the horrors of genocide, and to honour the survivors and all those whose lives were changed beyond recognition.

“It also gives us the opportunity to look to a brighter future, by uniting, celebrating our diverse communities and making a pledge to stand together against hatred, on this day, and every day.

“This year’s theme of ‘ordinary people’ is a reminder that we all have a part to play in challenging prejudice and the language of hatred. Together, we can ensure we learn the lessons of the past, and work together for a safer, better future for everyone.”

Both of Warrington's MPs have paid tribute to the millions killed during the atrocities of the Second World War, and beyond.

Charlotte Nichols, the Labour MP for Warrington North, is Jewish herself, and she spoke in Parliament this week about the Holocaust.

Ms Nichols said: "It is an honour to rise today to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day, both personally as a proud Jewish parliamentarian, and on behalf of my constituents in Warrington North, many of whom have made Warrington their home after fleeing the horrors of the holocaust and subsequent post-war genocides in Rwanda, Darfur, Cambodia and Bosnia, which we also commemorate today."

The Labour MP added: "We cannot commend historical actions such as the Kindertransport in debates like this and not condemn the inflammatory and hateful rhetoric used in this place and in the media about those fleeing persecution today, or about the LGBT+ and Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities."

With this statement, Ms Nichols referred to her row with the Home Office and Home Secretary, which saw her accuse the Home Secretary of using 'Nazi era' language.

Andy Carter signed the Holocaust Educational Trust's 'Book of Commitment' in Parliament (Image: Andy Carter MP)

Warrington South's Conservative MP, Andy Carter, also marked the day, saying: "I signed the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Book of Commitment in Parliament on behalf of everyone in Warrington South, pledging my commitment to Holocaust Memorial Day and honouring the extraordinary Holocaust survivors who work tirelessly to educate young people today.

"We remember the six million Jewish men, women and children murdered by the Nazis and their collaborators, all victims of Nazi persecution and the victims of subsequent genocides."