A LOCAL MP has pledged his committment to Holocaust Memorial Day.

Eddisbury MP Edward Timpson, who's constituency covers Malpas and Audlem, signed the the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Book of Commitment as the country marks the memorial day today (Friday, January 27).

Holocaust Memorial Day takes place annually on January 27 to mark the liberation of the infamous death camp, Auschwitz.

Mr Timpson spoke about the day being a time to reflect.

He said: "Holocaust Memorial Day is an important opportunity for the Cheshire residents to reflect on the darkest times of European history. 

"Today, I pledge to remember the six million Jewish men, women and children who were murdered in the Holocaust, and all of the others who had their lives devalued or taken by Nazi tyranny. 

"They were not just categories: they were people who should have been able to live freely regardless of their faith, ability, ethnicity, or sexuality. 

"That freedom cannot be too highly-prized, and must always be protectedfor as we have seen since the Second World War, genocide is not the sole preserve of a particular generation or political movement."

Holocaust Educational Trust chief executive, Karen Pollock CBE, spoke about the importance of speaking out against anti-semitism.

She said: "On Holocaust Memorial Day we remember the six million men, women and children who were murdered by the Nazis and their collaborators, simply for being Jewish.

"We pay tribute to the incredible survivors, many of whom still share their testimony day in and day out to ensure that future generations never forget the horrors of the past. 

"We also remember that antisemitism did not start or end with the Holocaust. 

"We must all be vigilant, and speak out against antisemitism whenever and wherever it is found."

Schools, faith groups and community organisations will be using the day to remember other victims of the Nazis and genocides which took place after the Second World War.

A spokesperson for the Holocaust Educational Trust said: "In the lead-up to and on Holocaust Memorial Day, 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 'Ordinary People.' 

"On Holocaust Memorial Day we also remember and pay tribute to all of those persecuted by the Nazis, including Roma and Sinti people, disabled people, gay men, political opponents to the Nazis, and others.

"We also remember all of those affected by genocide since the Second World War in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur."