UK Government passes Holocaust Memorial Act 2026

Parliament has now passed the Holocaust Memorial Act 2026 (Royal Assent: 22 January 2026). In one short law, it authorises public spending and lifts a century‑old restriction so a national Holocaust Memorial and a connected Learning Centre can be built and run. The text is published on legislation.gov.uk.

First, the money question. The Act gives the Secretary of State explicit authority to spend public funds on the project-design and build of the memorial, a learning centre relating to it, and any works that go with those tasks. In statute writing, “construction” covers creating, changing, extending or rebuilding structures “on, over or under” land.

It doesn’t stop at opening day. The law also allows spending on using, operating, maintaining and improving the memorial and the centre. Those costs are paid “out of money provided by Parliament”, which means they still pass through the annual Estimates process and are scrutinised by MPs as part of normal public spending.

The most technical part is also the most decisive. The Act says that section 8(1) and 8(8) of the London County Council (Improvements) Act 1900 cannot prevent or limit this project on the land described in that 1900 law. In plain English: an older rule that blocked building on that specific land is switched off for this memorial and centre.

If you’re studying law or politics, this is a clear example of how newer Acts can disapply older ones. Parliament is sovereign, so a later Act may expressly override earlier provisions. The wording “does not prevent, restrict or otherwise affect” is a belt‑and‑braces way of ensuring a modern public project isn’t tripped up by historic constraints.

A quick note on definitions. The Act spells out that “construction” includes erection, extension, alteration and re‑erection. Drafters add these inclusions to reduce ambiguity: if the design evolves, or if parts must be rebuilt later, the legal authority to do that work is already in place.

The territorial scope is clear. The Act extends to England and Wales only. That reflects the UK’s devolution set‑up, with Scotland and Northern Ireland handling comparable issues through their own legislation and institutions.

When does it take effect? The Act commences “at the end of the period of two months beginning with the day on which this Act is passed.” Because Royal Assent was on 22 January 2026, that formula means the powers start at the end of 21 March 2026. It’s a useful calendar rule you’ll see across UK statutes.

For educators and students, the headline is simple: the UK is creating a permanent learning space focused on the Holocaust, supported by statute. That matters for curriculum visits, civic learning and for countering antisemitism through evidence‑based education in a dedicated civic setting.

What to watch next: with the legal block lifted and funding authority in place, delivery turns to design, procurement and construction on the London site described in the 1900 Act. The short title is the Holocaust Memorial Act 2026-handy for your notes and citations.