Bolton North East MP, Sir David Crausby has paid tribute to victims and survivors of the Holocaust ahead of the annual remembrance of the atrocity.

He signed the Holocaust Education Trust’s Book of Commitment to honour the millions murdered by the Nazis as well as those who survived and work tirelessly to educate young people today.

Saturday, January 27 marks the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, the site of the largest mass-murder in history.

After signing the Book of Commitment, Sir David said: “Holocaust Memorial Day is an important opportunity for people from Bolton 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.”

In the lead up to Holocaust Memorial Day, and on the day itself, thousands of commemorative events will be 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 Sir David Crausby 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.”