Matthew has been taking part in commemorations in Hendon and Westminster to mark this year's Holocaust Memorial Day 2018. 

In Hendon, Matthew visited Jewish Care's Holocaust Survivors Centre and joined members in lighting a candle to remember those who were murdered under Nazi persecution. The group also lit candles to commemorate subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.

In Westminster, Matthew spoke during the Holocaust Memorial Day debate in the House of Commons chamber, recalling the stories of Holocaust survivors in his constituency. Matthew read out of the names and stories of three of his constituents in particular who received Honours in this year’s New Years Honours list: Lt. Col. Mordaunt Cohen MBE, Dr Chaim Olmer BEM and Mr Bernd Koschland MBE. 

During the Church Commissioners' questions in the House of Commons, Matthew also raised the matter of religious persecution in the Middle East today, and how the proximity of Holocaust Memorial Day should remind us that these atrocities are still occurring. 

Matthew also signed the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Book of Commitment. The Book of Commitment was signed by over 400 politicians from all parties including the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary. 

On Sunday, Matthew will join the Civic Procession at the annual Holocaust Memorial Commemoration in Barnet at Middlesex University. 

Matthew said: "Holocaust Memorial Day is always a sobering time of year, and one on which to reflect on past and current tragedies and those lives lost in such appalling circumstances. 

"I am honoured to be able to hear so many incredible stories from my constituents and to have the opportunity to meet with survivors every year and join them in commemorating Holocaust Memorial Day.

"The theme for this year's Holocaust Memorial Day is 'The Power of Words', so as the Holocaust moves from living history, to just history, it becomes ever more important that we take the time to remember the victims and to pass on the stories of survivors so that we never see such events again." 

Holocaust Memorial Day will be marked on the 27 January 2018.