Hear from Daniel, a Sixth Form student from Carre’s Grammar, about his recent visit to Number 10…
“On Thursday 22nd January 2026, as an Ambassador of the Holocaust Educational Trust, I was honoured to be invited to Downing Street by Lady Victoria Starmer. Not only was this to mark the importance of the upcoming Holocaust Memorial Day, but as an opportunity for like-minded Ambassadors to share our experiences.
My journey with the Holocaust Educational Trust began in 2024, when I was fortunate enough to be invited by the Carre’s History Department to join the Lessons from Auschwitz programme. Having the opportunity to visit Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp and develop my knowledge on the subject was an extremely educational opportunity – such as developing my understanding of complex ideas such as responsibility in the Holocaust. I followed this by teaching Year 9 students about my experiences, a work experience placement at The National Holocaust Centre and a 9-week course on ‘Understanding Antisemitism in the UK’ with the Holocaust Educational Trust.
On the day, we gathered in Downing Street, and we made our way to the ‘White Room’ where we were seated with Annick – a Holocaust survivor. Hearing her first-hand experiences made me reflect on the importance of survivor’s voices: as time passes, they become even more important to share in remembering the 6 million Jewish men, women and children murdered by Nazi Germany and its collaborators from 1933 to 1945. Following this, Lady Starmer entered and we began our discussion. I was keen to hear other Ambassadors share their own experiences of our responsibility in ensuring the Holocaust is never forgotten. Lady Starmer, who herself visited Auschwitz in 2025, shared her own thoughts, and we were all grateful to talk with Karen Pollock CBE – the Head of the Trust. Our discussions were both thoughtful and explored how each of us has worked alongside the Trust in our own communities. I found the most important takeaway was each of us held different emotions as we reflected on our own visits to Auschwitz. Our discussion then concluded. We were excited to be given a tour by Lady Starmer around Downing Street, from William Pitt the Younger’s Desk to the Cabinet Room.
I am incredibly grateful for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity I was given. The Carre’s History Department and The Holocaust Educational Trust have both offered immense support and fulfilling opportunities such as this. I hope to follow this in my application as a Regional Ambassador with the Trust and continue my responsibility as an ambassador in ensuring the Holocaust is never forgotten.”
Daniel has since received an offer to study History at Cambridge.
