Britain to Build Controversial Holocaust Memorial Near Parliament

Britain's Labour government has pledged to build a Holocaust memorial and learning centre next to the Houses of Parliament in London. Initially proposed almost a decade ago, the project has faced legal and design challenges. Prime Minister Keir Starmer aims to pass a bill authorizing the project's cost and location change.

Britain's new Labour government announced on Wednesday its commitment to constructing a Holocaust memorial and learning centre adjacent to the Houses of Parliament in London. This move follows a long-standing promise, fraught with controversy since its inception nearly a decade ago during the Conservative administration.

The memorial aims to honor the memory of over six million Jews and other victims killed during World War Two by the Nazis and their collaborators. Prime Minister Keir Starmer's government intends to introduce the Holocaust Memorial Bill, which will permit funding for the project and nullify a law from 1900 that restricts the proposed site to public garden use.

"We must ensure that the Holocaust is never forgotten and combat antisemitism and all forms of hatred," stated the government in a briefing document. The commitment comes after a record surge in antisemitism in Britain and Starmer's actions to eradicate antisemitism within his party. The project has faced criticism over its design, costs, and location, including objections from Holocaust survivors and their families.

(With inputs from agencies.)