Starmer to be first UK PM to mark Armistice Day in France since Churchill

Posted by Admin November 10, 2024 World

Sir Keir Starmer will attend Armistice Day commemorations in France today – the first UK leader to do so since Winston Churchill joined General de Gaulle in 1944.

Towns and cities across France will mark the 106th anniversary of the Armistice agreement in 1918 that brought fighting in the First World War to an end.

Sir Keir will attend the events at the personal invitation of President Emmanuel Macron and the pair will join British and French veterans and the public in paying tribute to the fallen.

It comes as the prime minister announces more than £10m to mark the 80th anniversaries of VE and VJ Day in the UK next year.

Sir Keir is expected to lay a wreath at Paris war memorials close to the Champs-Elysees, and also at the Arc de Triomphe’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a national symbol for all those who have died for France in war.

The prime minister said: “I am 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.

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

Sir Keir and President Macron will also have talks ahead of the commemorations to discuss issues like the wars in Ukraine and Gaza.

On Sunday, Remembrance events were held across the UK as the nation paid tribute to those who have served in the armed forces past and present.

King Charles, who is still receiving cancer treatment, paid his respects without the Queen, who did not attend events in central London due to a chest infection.

He appeared alongside his son Prince William and daughter-in-law, the Princess of Wales, who carried out two consecutive public engagements for the first time this year after her cancer treatment ended.