UK PM Starmer Visits Auschwitz, Vows To Fight Antisemitism

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer chats with business leaders as he attends a business reception at the British Embassy in Warsaw, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski, Pool)

U.K. Prime Minister visited the Nazi German extermination camp at Auschwitz, expressing his shock at the atrocities witnessed there. He pledged to combat the rising antisemitism that is causing concern among Jews, including in Britain. Following his visit to Ukraine, he traveled to Warsaw for discussions with Poland's leaders on enhancing European defense and strengthening ties with the European Union.

During his visit to Auschwitz, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of fighting antisemitism and preserving the memory of the victims of the Holocaust. In Warsaw, he met with President Andrzej Duda and Prime Minister Donald Tusk to explore avenues for closer cooperation in European security, defense, and migration control.

Poland, currently holding the EU presidency, has prioritized security, given its proximity to conflict-ridden Ukraine. The leaders discussed deepening security collaboration both within the EU and bilaterally, as well as enhancing economic ties, energy security, and climate cooperation.

The Prime Minister and Polish leaders also expressed their commitment to combatting illegal migration and dismantling criminal networks involved in human trafficking across Europe. They highlighted the need for transatlantic partnerships with the U.S. and Canada, aiming for strong ties under the new U.S. administration.

Discussions in Warsaw focus on European defense and security cooperation.

Prime Minister visits Auschwitz and pledges to fight antisemitism.

Poland prioritizes security as EU presidency, seeks closer ties with UK.

Leaders emphasize combating illegal migration and human trafficking.

Transatlantic partnerships with U.S. and Canada are highlighted.

Visit to Auschwitz commemorates Holocaust victims ahead of 80th anniversary.

Labour Party faces challenges with antisemitism, aims to rebuild relations.

Reports of antisemitic incidents in the U.K. prompt renewed efforts to combat hatred.

Prime Minister condemns antisemitism globally and reaffirms commitment to combat prejudice.

Efforts to address antisemitism and strengthen ties with Jewish community in the U.K.

The visit to Auschwitz, ahead of the 80th anniversary of the camp's liberation, was a poignant reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust. The Prime Minister's statement reflected on the harrowing experience at the memorial and underscored the importance of never forgetting the atrocities committed at the camp.

Addressing the resurgence of antisemitism globally, the Prime Minister condemned the hatred and reaffirmed the commitment to combatting prejudice and discrimination. The visit to Auschwitz, including laying a wreath at the Execution Wall and lighting a candle at a monument in Birkenau, paid tribute to the millions of victims, predominantly Jews, who perished at the camp.

The Prime Minister's Labour Party has faced challenges with antisemitism, with efforts to address the issue and rebuild relations with the Jewish community. Reports of antisemitic incidents in the U.K. have surged, prompting renewed efforts to combat hatred and intolerance.