Keir Starmer will mark Armistice Day in Paris on Monday 80 years after Sir Winston Churchill took part in the commemorations.
The Prime Minister, who is understood to be the first UK leader to attend the ceremony since the former Tory PM did in 1944, said he is “honoured” to be taking part in the event. French President Emmanuel Macron personally invited Mr Starmer to pay tribute to the fallen of the first world war and veterans of subsequent conflicts in France’s capital city.
Sir Winston and former French President Charles De Gaulle laid a wealth at the tomb of France’s Unknown Soldier during the Armistice Day parade during WWII. The PM is also expected to lay a wreath at war memorials.
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UK Press via Getty Images)
It comes as the PM announces more than £10million to mark the 80th anniversaries of the allied Victory in Europe and the end of WWII in Japan. Mr Starmer pledged a “moment of national reflection” in 2025, with events respectively on May 8 and August 15 to mark the two anniversaries.
He 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.”
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Mr Starmer is expected to take part in a bilateral meeting with Mr Macron, where they will likely discuss the situations in Ukraine and Gaza. He will also meet the French Prime Minister Michel Barnier for a short time ahead of the ceremony. The PM will also host veterans, defence charities and members of the British military at the ambassador’s residence.
On Sunday Mr Starmer joined the King to pay his respects to those who made the “ultimate sacrifice” at the Cenotaph for Remembrance Sunday. He said: “On Remembrance Sunday, people across the country will come together to pay solemn tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice, defending the values and freedoms we enjoy today. On behalf of the whole country, I thank them. We will remember them.”