Iain has signed the Holocaust memorial book as part of events to commemorate the 67th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. The infamous concentration camp is one of the sites of the largest mass murder in history, where 6 million Jews and others classed as “undesirable” by the Nazis were murdered. Auschwitz was liberated on January 27th 1945.

The book has been placed in the House of Commons by the Holocaust Educational Trust to give MPs the opportunity to honour the memory of those persecuted and murdered during the Holocaust.

Iain said:

“I pay tribute to the Holocaust Education Trust for educating the younger generation on the dangers of allowing hatred and persecution to take hold in society. International Holocaust Memorial Day marks the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz and is an important opportunity to remember the victims of both the Holocaust and of all genocides.

We must remember the lessons of the Holocaust and the years of hatred and persecution that preceded it. We should use this as an opportunity to renew our commitment to challenging all kinds of discrimination and prejudice, which sadly continues in our society to this day.”

Iain Wright MP, Shadow Minister for Competitiveness and Enterprise, has visited Rolls-Royce’s principal UK facility in Derby along with a cross-party group of MPs. The MPs saw the work of the busy facility and had the opportunity to speak with Hamid Mughal, Rolls-Royce’s Executive Vice-President for Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology.

The Hartlepool MP met Civil Aerospace Engineering graduates and apprentices to hear about the Rolls-Royce Technology Exhibition Centre’s investment in education and training. Graham Schuhmacher, Head of Development Services, explained that the Centre invests £33 million annually to give apprentices the opportunity to train at the facility.

The future of the UK manufacturing sector was also high on the agenda. Iain discussed the competitiveness of UK manufacturing with Rolls-Royce Executives and heard that manufacturers want intelligent and active support from the British Government – in the face of intense global competition from foreign governments wanting to see high value manufacturing in their own countries – in order to help them grow and prosper.

Iain said:

“I was delighted to visit Rolls-Royce to find out more about their apprenticeship scheme and listen to their views on the future of UK manufacturing.

One of the most interesting things for me was hearing about the company’s long term plans for investment in research and development. The company’s commitment to research and development is commendable and will help to bring about important technological advancements and significant productivity gains.

It is vital for the UK’s future prosperity that the Government also has a long-term plan for encouraging innovation across the economy - the link between innovation and economic growth is clear. We need to ensure that Government policy focuses on long-term active support for the growth sectors of the future to allow those companies to compete in world markets.”

Iain Wright, MP for Hartlepool, has been promoted in Labour Party Leader Ed Miliband’s reshuffle of his shadow ministers.

The town’s MP has been made Shadow Minister for Competitiveness and Enterprise and will work alongside the newly-appointed Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, Chuka Umunna MP.

Iain Wright MP will have responsibility for holding the Government to account on its business and enterprise policy. He will lead on business sectors, including the low carbon economy, manufacturing, construction and the motor industry, competitiveness, economic growth and trade policy.

Iain Wright MP said:

“It is an honour to be asked by Ed Miliband to take on this important role. I am delighted to have the opportunity to work with Chuka to highlight the fact that Britain needs a business strategy that rewards fairness and hard work and creates prosperity for all, both in Hartlepool and around the country. ”

Chuka Umunna MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, said:

“I am delighted that Iain has agreed to join the team. His work in business prior to becoming an MP and outstanding work as a minister in Government will add real depth and experience.”