Gavin Newlands has pleged his commitment to Holocaust Memorial Day by adding his signature to the Holocaust Educational Trust’s book.

The gesture is to honour those who were murdered during the darkest hours of the Second World War as well as paying tribute to survivors who work tirelessly to educate young people about the horrors.

Yesterday (Wednesday, January 27) marked the liberation of the Nazi concentration and death camp Auschwitz-Birkenau.

In the weeks leading up to and after Holocaust Memorial Day, thousands of commemorative events are arranged by schools, faith groups and community organisations across the country, remembering Holocaust victims and those lost in subsequent genocides.

Mr Newlands, MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, said: “Holocaust Memorial Day marks the anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration and death camp Auschwitz-Birkenau – and is an important opportunity to remember the victims and survivors of the Holocaust and make sure they are not forgotten."

'Don't Stand By' is the theme for this year's memorial day and it urges the public to never remain silent when it comes to hate crime.

Mr Newlands added: "We should never remain silent when acts of hatred are committed on another person or group. In honour of those that lost their lives we should always challenge racism and prejudice in whatever form it takes.

"I encourage all constituents to mark the day and to join members of my community in the fight against prejudice and intolerance.”

Karen Pollock MBE, Chief Executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, added: “We are proud that Gavin is supporting Holocaust Memorial Day. As we mark the 71st anniversary of the end of the Holocaust and the liberation of the concentration camps, it is vitally important that we both continue to remember and learn from the appalling events of the Holocaust – as well as ensuring that we continue to challenge antisemitism and all forms of bigotry.”