Former United Kingdom Prime Minister Lord David Cameron has defended the proposed location of a Holocaust memorial in central London as an “unapologetic national statement” amidst “growing” antisemitism.
Speaking in the House of Lords, in his first contribution since stepping down as foreign secretary prior to the general election, Lord Cameron said there was “real power” at having the commemoration “at the heart of our democracy”.
The Holocaust Memorial Bill seeks to create a commemorative installation and a learning centre dedicated to the Second World War atrocity in Victoria Tower Gardens.
The location next to Parliament was recommended to the Government due to its “historical, emotional and political significance”.
The London County Council (Improvements) Act 1900 required the Grade II-listed land to be used as a public park.
The former prime minister said the memorial should be a reminder of a “dreadful event in the past that we should try and learn from at the same time”.
He said: “The Holocaust was not just one of the defining moments of the 20th century where six million people lost their lives. It wasn’t just an event. It should be a permanent reminder of where prejudice and hatred leads us and what it can end in.
“So this is not just some monument to something that’s happened, it’s a permanent reminder and… I think it’s so important it’s co-located with our parliament.”
