STUNELL ASKS STOCKPORT TO "STAND UP TO HATRED"

10.15.00am GMT Thu 29th Jan 2009

Local MP Andrew Stunell showed his commitment to Holocaust Memorial Day on Tuesday (27th January) by signing a Book of Commitment in the House of Commons to honour those who perished in the Holocaust.

January 27th marked the anniversary of the liberation in 1945 of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the infamous concentration and extermination camp. On Tuesday, schools, local communities and faith groups from across the UK joined together to mark Holocaust Memorial Day, backed by many of their MPs.

In signing the Book, Andrew paid tribute to those who had the courage to "Stand up to Hatred", and the millions who lost their lives during one of the darkest periods of European history.

Commenting, Andrew said:

"Holocaust Memorial Day serves as a stark reminder to us all of the horrendous crimes, racism and victimization committed during the Holocaust and subsequent genocides.

"It is an opportunity to remember, and to reflect. Racism and hate are still very much present in our society and together we have a duty to unite our communities and stand up to hatred.

"I visited Auschwitz with a group of local school children back in September, and seeing the camp was certainly one of the most sobering and sombre days in my life.

"It is essential to continue to educate youngsters about the Holocaust and encourage them to work together towards a better future, so we can ensure that the horrors of the Holocaust never happen again."

ENDS