Government assurances on Holocaust Memorial Learning Centre welcomed as Lords’ amendment rejected
Communities minister Miatta Fahnbulleh said centre's focus would be on 'education about the Holocaust and about antisemitism'
Government assurances that the proposed Holocaust Memorial Learning Centre near Westminster will focus exclusively on the Shoah and antisemitism have been welcomed by opposition MPs, after a Lords-recommended amendment was dismissed in the Commons.
In a rare display of unity, both Government and opposition MPs opposed a Lords amendment to the Holocaust Memorial Bill, allowing its progress through Parliament to continue.
Communities minister Miatta Fahnbulleh explained that the Lords’ proposal—which would have required the centre’s “sole purpose” to be education about the Holocaust and antisemitism—could instead be addressed through the learning centre’s future governance procedures.
Fahnbulleh described the proposal as outside the Bill’s scope, but reaffirmed the Government’s intention for the centre to focus solely on “education about the Holocaust and about antisemitism.”
Conservative shadow communities secretary Sir James Cleverly said “Conservative and crossbench peers have expressed concern and sought assurance that the learning centre will exist for one purpose only: to provide education about the Holocaust and antisemitism. I welcome the Government’s assurances and its commitment that the centre will remain exclusively focused on this mission.”
First announced by then-prime minister David Cameron in 2015, the legislation aims to create a commemorative installation and learning centre dedicated to the Holocaust and the murder of six million Jews, located in Victoria Tower Gardens, Westminster. However, controversies over its aims, location, and escalating costs have delayed parliamentary approval.
Father of the House, Conservative MP Sir Edward Leigh (Gainsborough), reiterated concerns about the site, arguing that scrutiny has exposed “serious flaws” with its proximity to Parliament, and noting divisions within the UK’s Jewish community over the project.
Leigh said, “This is not a proper museum. I’ve visited memorials in Israel and Washington—vast, immersive structures. You cannot understand the Holocaust without understanding its beginnings and the hatred that enabled it. This is basically just a bunker—totally inappropriate.”
Labour MPs, including Bury MP Christian Wakeford, objected to Leigh’s criticism, arguing that Yad Vashem stands as a model of an effective Holocaust museum.
Fahnbulleh responded that the Lords’ proposal was outside the Bill’s scope and reiterated the Government’s commitment to education about the Holocaust and antisemitism, to be ensured through governance arrangements.
She also emphasised the extensive consultation during the planning process and highlighted the cross-party commitment to establishing a new national Holocaust memorial and learning centre.
She concluded, “We do this to mark a profound, dark moment in our history, to remember the sheer loss of humanity, and to continue learning the lessons for generations to come. While the Lords’ amendment is well intentioned, it addresses matters beyond the scope of this Bill and is better dealt with elsewhere.”
Lord Eric Pickles, co-chair of the United Kingdom’s Holocaust Memorial Foundation, observed Tuesday’s Commons debate from the upper gallery.
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
