Holocaust Memorial Act 2026 receives Royal Assent

On 21 January 2026, the Holocaust Memorial Act 2026 received Royal Assent. The Act, which was enacted following the hybrid bill procedure, removes the statutory restriction on developing the Holocaust Memorial in Victoria Tower Gardens.

The Holocaust Memorial project was granted planning permission in 2021, but quashed by the High Court in London Historic Parks and Gardens Trust v Minister of State for Housing [2022] JPL 1196 on the basis that the decision-maker had failed to consider an impediment to the development in the London County Council (Improvements) Act 1900. The 2026 Act removes that impediment.

Richard Turney KC and Jacqueline Lean appeared for the Promoter of the hybrid bill in the Parliamentary committee stages, led by Christopher Katkowski CBE KC of Kings Chambers, and instructed by Robbie Owen of Pinsent Masons LLP.

Further details of this may be found on the Gov website here.