CABINET OFFICE News
Release (CAB 029/09) issued by COI News Distribution Service on 29
April 2009
Britons who saved
the lives of Jews and other persecuted groups during the Holocaust
are to be honoured for their actions.
The Prime Minister, Secretary of State for Communities and
Minister for the Cabinet Office today announced plans for an award
that recognises the extraordinary acts of courage shown by a
number of British citizens.
Britons who made a difference during the Holocaust include Jane
Haining from Dunscore in Scotland - who was sent to Auschwitz
after caring for 400 Jewish girls in occupied Hungary - and 10
British prisoners of war who rescued a girl from a death march in
Poland and hid her in their PoW camp.
The Prime Minister said:
"My visit to Auschwitz left me absolutely determined that we
must learn from the past as we build our future. Part of this must
be proper recognition for those who made extraordinary
contributions to protect others during the Holocaust.
"These heroes, many of whom have now died, are a true
inspiration to everyone in Britain. Their actions have already
been recognised in part: some have been named as 'Righteous
Among Nations' by Yad Vashem, Israel's Holocaust
memorial authority, and others have had their stories commemorated
in Britain in different forms.
"However, I believe that together their brave actions form a
critical part of our nation's wartime history and they
deserve to be recognised through a special award."
Secretary of State for Communities Hazel Blears said:
"The Holocaust is one of history's darkest chapters.
Against that background the courage of those who risked their own
safety to save others stands out all the brighter.
"That we should now recognise their heroism is not only
right: it will ensure that their stories of compassion and
humanity inspire generations to come. I pay tribute to the
Holocaust Educational Trust and everyone who has lent their voice
to its powerful campaign."
Minister for the Cabinet Office Liam Byrne said:
"A small number of British people performed some incredible
acts during the Holocaust but for too long their stories have gone
untold. They are stories of great bravery, great humanity, but
also great humility.
"Individually their stories are moving and inspiring and
each deserve our recognition. But honouring these heroes also
achieves a national purpose as their stories carry important
lessons for us today.
"They help to ensure we never forget the horrors of the
Holocaust. They help instil a sense of public service, showing
that one person can make a enormous difference. And above all,
they remind us how important it is to continue the fight against
prejudice, injustice and intolerance."
The case for recognition was led by the Holocaust Educational
Trust and supported by 127 MPs who signed an Early Day Motion
calling for the heroes to be honoured.
Notes to editors
1. The announcement was made by Liam Byrne at Westminster Hall
debate this afternoon.
2. Precise details of the award will be discussed between the
Communities Secretary & the Minister for the Cabinet Office,
with representatives of families of the heroes and the Holocaust
Educational Trust. Full details will be published in due course.
3. Early Day Motion 1175 called for the UK Honours system to be
reformed to allow Holocaust heroes to be awarded MBEs and OBEs posthumously.
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