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Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government written statement – made at on 2 June 2026.

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Photo of Nesil Caliskan Nesil Caliskan Comptroller (HM Household) (Whip, House of Commons), Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

In February 2025, the Government published its response to the House of Lords Select Committee on the Holocaust Memorial Bill. In line with an undertaking given to the Select Committee, the Government:

  • Has submitted representations via the Planning Casework Unit that security should remain a key issue.
  • Has consulted on security with the Metropolitan Police Service, the National Protective Security Authority, the Community Security Trust, Westminster City Council, and the Corporate Officers of the House of Commons and Lords.
  • Is depositing consultees’ comments in the Libraries of both Houses, except where security-sensitive.

The Government is grateful for comments received from consultees and looks forward to continuing close engagement as the programme proceeds.

House of Commons

The House of Commons is one of the houses of parliament. Here, elected MPs (elected by the "commons", i.e. the people) debate. In modern times, nearly all power resides in this house. In the commons are 650 MPs, as well as a speaker and three deputy speakers.

House of Lords

The house of Lords is the upper chamber of the Houses of Parliament. It is filled with Lords (I.E. Lords, Dukes, Baron/esses, Earls, Marquis/esses, Viscounts, Count/esses, etc.) The Lords consider proposals from the EU or from the commons. They can then reject a bill, accept it, or make amendments. If a bill is rejected, the commons can send it back to the lords for re-discussion. The Lords cannot stop a bill for longer than one parliamentary session. If a bill is accepted, it is forwarded to the Queen, who will then sign it and make it law. If a bill is amended, the amended bill is sent back to the House of Commons for discussion.

The Lords are not elected; they are appointed. Lords can take a "whip", that is to say, they can choose a party to represent. Currently, most Peers are Conservative.