Photo by A Step Towards Remembering: Lord Pickles Defends Holocaust Memorial Bill
The UK Holocaust Memorial Foundation Advisory Board co-chair, Lord Pickles, has responded to criticism surrounding the government’s plan to build a Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre in Victoria Tower Gardens, near Westminster. In a recent article, Lord Pickles outlined the aims of the Holocaust Memorial Bill, which seeks to remove an obstacle arising from the High Court’s interpretation of the London County Council (Improvements) Act 1900.
Proposed site of the Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre
The bill, according to Lord Pickles, will not repeal any part of the 1900 Act, but rather ensure that the Act does not prevent the establishment of the memorial. The government plans to maintain the gardens as a public space, while also investing in making the area more attractive and accessible to all users. This includes the creation of a new slope offering better views of the Thames, new seating, and additional planting in the green space.
Lord Pickles also addressed concerns about the scale of the memorial project, stating that it would only occupy around 7.5% of the area. He criticized what he called “misleading information” about the project, which has sparked controversy among some members of the Jewish community and Holocaust survivors.
Lord Pickles and Ed Balls, co-chairs of the UK Holocaust Memorial Foundation Advisory Board
In a previous article, Baroness Deech had expressed disappointment with the government’s announcement of the new bill, citing concerns from within the Jewish community and among Holocaust survivors. However, Lord Pickles’ article aims to set the record straight and provide a clearer understanding of the government’s intentions.
Aerial view of the proposed Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre
As the UK takes steps towards completing the memorial, it is essential to remember the importance of preserving history and honoring the victims of the Holocaust. The proposed memorial and learning centre will serve as a poignant reminder of the atrocities of the past, while also providing a space for education and reflection.
