London (TDI): Today, the prime minister will celebrate Armistice Day in Paris as the first UK leader to visit French Armistice Day since World War II.
The Prime Minister will join French and British soldiers, as well as members of the public, to honour the fallen of World War I and veterans of later conflicts at President Macron’s personal request.
Since General de Gaulle hosted Winston Churchill in 1944, the Prime Minister is thought to be the first UK leader to attend the commemorations.
It coincides with the Prime Minister’s announcement of over £10 million to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the conclusion of World War II in the Far East and the Allied Victory in Europe.
Next year, events around the United Kingdom will commemorate their legacy. On May 8, the 80th anniversary of the Allied victory in Europe, and on August 15, the Second World War in Japan will come to an end.
Tens of thousands of military members from the UK and Commonwealth who fought on all fronts during World War II will be honoured by the nationwide commemorative ceremonies.
The Prime Minister’s attendance at the 106th anniversary celebration of the Armistice of 1918 represents the strong and lasting friendship between the United Kingdom and France.
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The Prime Minister is anticipated to lay a wreath besides President Macron at war memorials at the Champs-Élysées and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arc de Triomphe, a French national monument honouring all those who lost their lives in World War I.
The event, which will include the British Band of the Rifles, takes place at the conclusion of a year that commemorates the 80th anniversary of the beginning of France’s liberation and the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale.
Keir Starmer, the prime minister, stated:
It is a privilege for me to be in Paris with President Macron to pay respect to the First World War soldiers who gave their lives to ensure our freedom today.
“These occasions are essential to preserving for future generations the memory of millions of young pilots, sailors, and soldiers.
“To fulfil our commitment to bolster community spirit and cohesion and honour the fallen, this Government will unite the nation in a moment of national reflection to commemorate the 80th anniversaries of VE and VJ Day next year.”
The Prime Minister will express gratitude for their service by hosting veterans, defence charities, and British military personnel integrated into the French system at the Ambassador’s Residence prior to the ceremony.
He will see personally how French and British military personnel are strengthening their relations and interoperability for the future and for the present under the Lancaster House Treaties.
Prior to the commemorations, the Prime Minister is also anticipated to have a bilateral meeting with President Macron. The leaders will consider how the sacrifices made by French and British soldiers on the front lines of the first and second World Wars helped to create and strengthen the strong ties between the two nations.
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The leaders are anticipated to continue talking about important foreign policy topics, including as the terrible humanitarian situation in Gaza and Russia’s continuous savage assault of Ukraine.
Additionally, he is anticipated to meet Michel Barnier, the recently appointed French prime minister. Prior to the ceremony, the two prime ministers will have their first brief encounter since Mr. Barnier took over as France’s prime minister.
In order to bring the country together for a moment of national reflection, foster community spirit and cohesion, and promote growth, the government is already working closely with the Royal British Legion and veterans’ representatives to prepare for next year’s UK commemoration events.
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