Re-elect Jacqui Smith

Diary 2 February 2010

Last Saturday, I attended the ceremony for Holocaust Memorial Day in the Kingfisher Centre.  The purpose of Holocaust Memorial Day is to remember the horrors of the Holocaust and those who perished. The day aims to ensure that the horrendous crimes against humanity committed during the Holocaust are never forgotten. Since the Day was introduced in 2000, we have always held the event in Worcester Square.  In some ways it’s a bit strange to be singing and listening to speakers in the hubbub of people shopping, but I hope some of those passing by stopped to think about what the event signified.  There certainly seemed to be a lot of interest.

This year’s theme was the ‘legacy of hope’ – ensuring that the next generation understand and learn the lessons.  I was really impressed with the young people who took part in the event from the Student Council, Trinity High School and Astwood Bank First School.  Pupils from Trinity had been able to visit Auschwitz last year – a programme supported by government funding.  A poem written on the visit and read on Saturday showed the impact that the visit had made.

I have been continuing my coffee events where people can come and talk to me about a range of issues.  Last week, one of the topics of discussion was the free bus pass for older people and how much freedom it offered people to travel around the town and beyond.  There was concern that it might be under threat from a change of Government.  I raised the issue with Lord Adonis, Transport Secretary when I met him in Parliament last week.  He assured me that the Government was absolutely committed to the bus pass so if you’re entitled to one, make the most of it.  Get ‘on the buses!’

Jacqui talks to Transport Secretary Lord Adonis

To contact Jacqui about this article please email her at smithjj@parliament.co.uk