MPs today publish their report on the Government's plans for a
Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre next to Parliament.
The Holocaust Memorial Bill would enable a Holocaust Memorial and
Learning Centre to be built in Victoria Tower Gardens, situated
next to Parliament, by removing existing restrictions on the
site.
The existing restrictions relate to the London County Council
(Improvements) Act 1900, which requires Victoria Tower Gardens to
be kept “as a garden open to the public”.
Since the beginning of the year, the Committee has heard from
individuals and bodies petitioning against the Bill's provisions
and seeking its amendment.
It could not hear petitions on whether there should be a memorial
or a learning centre, whether at Victoria Tower Gardens or
elsewhere, or whether or not planning permission should be
given.
Given the limitations placed on the Committee, and the fact that
discussing planning considerations would be out of scope, the
Committee has decided not to amend the Bill.
The cross-party Committee of MPs queried the consultation process
around the selection of Victoria Tower Gardens, highlighting that
a full consultation would have given more legitimacy around the
site decision. It would also have highlighted the impediment
presented by the 1900 Act, sooner.
The Committee also expressed concern around the rising costs of
the project, which have increased from £50 million to £137
million since the proposal was announced in 2015. The Government
is urged to consider how ongoing costs will be paid for, and
whether the plans offer appropriate use of public money.
In light of concerns raised around the risk of terrorism, the
Committee also calls on the Government to publish security
proposals for the memorial.
The report notes the very limited focus of the Committee – as
specified by the instruction provided to the Committee – and
confusion around assurances given by the Secretary of State in
the House of Commons. This led to the Committee calling for
Ministers to be careful in their remarks for the avoidance of
doubt in future.
Commenting on the report, MP, Chair of the Holocaust
Memorial Bill Committee, said:
“The building of a Holocaust Memorial is an important and
sensitive matter, and of great personal significance to many
people, particularly those in the Jewish community. We are
particularly grateful to the Holocaust survivors who explained
their perspectives to us.
“Decision making on such an important national memorial should be
clear and transparent. We have heard concerns over rising costs
which the Government will have to take into consideration when
taking this project forward.
“A major memorial being built in central London, next to the
Houses of Parliament, will require security, and the Government
needs to come forward with plans for what this will
involve.”
ENDS
Note for Editors
1. The House of Commons Library
briefing on the Bill can be read here.
2. Further information on the Bill
can be found here. Further
information about the work of the Committee can be accessed here.
3. Petitions submitted against the
Bill can be read on the
Committee's website.
