Oliver Dowden spoke at an event commemorating the 80th anniversary of Kindertransport, an organised rescue effort which took in nearly 10,000 children before the Second World War broke out.

The Hertsmere MP was invited to talk at the event which was organised by the Association of Jewish Refugees, the national charity supporting Holocaust refugees and survivors living in the UK.

Many of the thousands of children who were rescued were Jewish.

Mr Dowden was joined by Holocaust survivor Harry Spiro, who lives in Radlett.

Mr Dowden was one of a number of MP’s who read extracts from the debate in the House of Commons on 21 November 1938 over the decision to accept Jewish refugees fleeing persecution in Nazi Germany and elsewhere in Europe.

Following the event, the MP, who represents an area with one of the biggest proportion of Jewish people in the country, said: “It was an honour to take part in this evening commemorating the Kindertransport, the extraordinary effort which saw nearly 10,000 children brought to Britain and saved from the horrors of the Holocaust.

“It was a pleasure to meet Mr Spiro again last night. Events like this are vital in making sure that as a country and a community, we remember the Holocaust and never forget what history has taught us.”

Mr Dowden has previously served as chairman of the all-party parliamentary group for British Jews and as an officers of the Conservative Friends of Israel.