THERE has been some questioning over why the Government needed to designate tomorrow as the first National Holocaust Day.

Some academics say it just adds to a "Holocaust Industry". Others say it is imperative to remind Mankind of the worst excesses of its evil.

The Diocese of Worcester has arranged workshops, music and drama for adults and children with the aim of not only remembering this dark chapter in human history but also celebrating the diversity of life.

Survivors from the most infamous episode of ethnic cleansing are, naturally, becoming fewer and fewer.

First-hand recollections are being recorded by all technical means to keep alive the memories of our worst nightmare.

But the Holocaust Day is not just about remembering the awful determination of the Nazis to wipe out the Jewish race.

It's about recognising the kind of complacency, apathy and indifference which allowed these heinous acts to be committed in the first place.

The Bishop of Worcester, the Rt Rev Dr Peter Selby condemns "the belief that race or religion or disability or sexuality makes people's lives worth less than others".

It's this belief, if allowed to fester, that led to the 12 million deaths in the concentration camps during a war against the Nazis which ended with 54.8 million deaths.

So why bother with a special day? Is it merely a history lesson and what can we learn from it?

There are many examples in the world and in our own society where the same evil conditions exist.

Consider the current xenophobia over refugees in this country and the role some parts of the national Press is playing in stirring it up. Ask yourselves just how tolerant our society is of all minority groups.

Tomorrow is a time for reflection as well as remembrance.