Support our Nation today - please donate here
News

Starmer in Paris for Armistice Day commemoration

11 Nov 2024 3 minute read
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer speaks with Chelsea Pensioners during a breakfast with some of the British defence community, before attending an Armistice Day ceremony in Paris. Image: Isabel Infantes/PA Wire

Sir Keir Starmer marked Armistice Day in Paris with Emmanuel Macron, while events will take place across the UK to commemorate the end of the First World War.

The Prime Minister became the first British premier to attend the armistice ceremony in Paris since Winston Churchill during the the Second World War.

Sir Keir and the French president laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arc de Triomphe in the French capital.

In the UK, events will focus on the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.

The Duchess of Edinburgh will be among the guests at the event.

Trump

Sir Keir’s trip to Paris comes as European leaders consider how to respond to the election of Donald Trump in the US.

The Prime Minister had already hoped to “reset” relations with Europe, and the prospect of a second Trump presidency is causing leaders on the continent to discuss what the new US administration will mean for trade and security.

As well as his talks with Mr Macron and French prime minister Michel Barnier, Sir Keir had a breakfast reception with representatives of the British defence community in France.

According to Number 10, Sir Keir is the first UK prime minister to have attended the Paris commemorations since Churchill joined General Charles de Gaulle in 1944.

It comes as Sir Keir announced more than £10 million to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day and VJ day.

“Reflection”

The Prime Minister has pledged a “moment of national reflection” in 2025, with events on May 8 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the allied victory in Europe, and also on August 15 to mark the end of the Second World War.

Sir Keir said he is “honoured to be in Paris to stand united with President Macron in tribute to the fallen of the First World War who made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom we enjoy today”.

He added: “These events are vital in ensuring the memory of millions of young soldiers, sailors, and aviators live on for generations to come.

“That is why this Government will bring the nation together in a moment of national reflection to mark the 80th anniversaries of VE and VJ Day next year, delivering on our commitment to strengthen community spirit and cohesion and remember the fallen.”


Support our Nation today

For the price of a cup of coffee a month you can help us create an independent, not-for-profit, national news service for the people of Wales, by the people of Wales.

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

2 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Howie
Howie
27 days ago

It’s more about the 80th anniversary of D Day this year, than Starmers profile.

Peter Cuthbert
Peter Cuthbert
27 days ago

It is good to see that Starmer headed to Europe to celebrate Armistice Day rather than heading West to join the US. His recent pronouncements about the Special Relationship (i.e. Britain continuing to act as the US poodle) had me very concerned. He may want a trade deal with the US, but as the UK already has a trade surplus with the US, any deal will come at a price. Trump is on the record about wanting to remove US trade deficits with other countries. That means he will want more trade from the US to the UK and has… Read more »

Our Supporters

All information provided to Nation.Cymru will be handled sensitively and within the boundaries of the Data Protection Act 2018.