Paris (Parliament Politics Magazine) – British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer joined French President Emmanuel Macron at Armistice Day in Paris to pay tribute to their fallen soldiers in World War 1 on Monday 11 November.
The Prime Minister was invited by the French President to attend the annual ceremony in the capital city. Marking 106 years since the historic Armistice Day, the British Prime Minister met with French President Emmanuel Macron. Under the timeless shadow of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, Prime Minister Keir Starmer and President Emmanuel Macron honoured the memory of French soldiers lost in World War I. Reportedly 10 million soldiers lost their lives as a result of this war.
Keir Starmer will also have a scheduled meeting with Macron to discuss foreign affairs including the issue of war in Ukraine and the current situation in Gaza.
Starmer said, “I am honored 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.”
UK Defence Minister John Healey said Keir Starmer’s visit to France is a reminder “we can never take the freedoms we enjoy in Europe for granted”. He replied “This is a special year” when Sky News asked Why Sir Keir is visiting Paris.
John said, “We mark 80 years [since the] D-Day invasions and some of the critical battles that liberated Europe and ended the Second World War”.
“This is also a mark of the close relationship between the two leaders, between Macron and Starmer, but also the historic bonds between our two countries and our two militaries”.
Sir Keir Starmer also announced that the British government has committed more than £10 million for next year’s 80th-anniversary events honouring the Allied victory in Europe and Japan’s defeat marking the end of World War 2. These events will be held on 8th May and 15th August next year to mark the end of WW2.
Chairman of the Last Post Association, Benoit Mottrie, who’s responsible for the daily bugle tribute under the gate for the fallen, raised the question “This was the dilemma facing the man whose names line these walls. Back in 1914, should they fight to maintain values and a way of life in which there was a place for everyone? Or should they accept a false peace dominated by dictatorship”.
Mottire also said, “We all still benefit from their terrible sacrifice, which is why we remember them with such gratitude”.
“We witness ongoing conflicts around the globe, with some leaders even hinting at the use of weapons of mass destruction,” says Mottrie. “Many believe that we are closer to a Third World War than at any time during the past 75 years.”