NORTH Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson has put his name to a special memorial book to mark Holocaust Memorial Day.

Today marks the anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration and death camp Auschwitz-Birkenau, the site of the largest mass murder in history.

And Mr Tomlinson got the chance to sign the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Book of Commitment in Parliament this week.

He said: “Holocaust Memorial Day is an important opportunity for people from Swindon and across the country to reflect on the tragic events of the Holocaust.

“As the Holocaust moves from living history to just history, it becomes ever more important that we take the time to remember the victims and also pay tribute to the survivors. I would encourage my constituents to show their support for such an important day.”

Throughout the week, thousands of commemorative events have been arranged by schools, faith groups and community organisations across the country, remembering all the victims of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides.

The theme for this year’s commemorations is ‘The Power of Words’.

Karen Pollock MBE, chief executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, said: “The Holocaust did not start in the gas chambers but with hate filled words.

“Our mission is to educate young people from every background about the Holocaust and its contemporary relevance. We are very grateful to Mr Tomlinson for signing the Book of Commitment, signalling a continued commitment to remembering the victims of the Holocaust as well as challenging antisemitism, prejudice and bigotry in all its forms.”