Schools: World War II Anniversary

Baroness Stuart of Edgbaston Excerpts

Thursday 30th January 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Twycross (Lab)]

At DCMS, we are really keen for all museums with a relevant interest and those with a broader social role in telling the story of the people of Britain to take part. I had an initial conversation about the celebrations yesterday with my noble friend Lord Coaker and I will be happy to pick up the point the noble Lord raised.

[Baroness Stuart of Edgbaston (CB)]

My Lords, I welcome what has been said about the plan to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. On this day in 1933, Adolf Hitler became Chancellor of Germany. In those commemorations, when we look at and celebrate the end of World War II, we should not forget about the conditions that gave rise to World War II. The next generation needs to be just as aware of that as of the ending of it.

[Baroness Twycross (Lab)]

I am absolutely confident that Members from across your Lordships’ House will agree. This week has also marked Holocaust Memorial Day and this year will also mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp. I am confident that those stories will be told. His Majesty the King recently visited Auschwitz. It was the first state visit by our head of state and it is really important that those stories are told as part of this. It is a commemoration of all the events of the Second World War.