Starmer becomes first British leader since Churchill to attend Armistice Day ceremony in France
11 November 2024, 10:59 | Updated: 11 November 2024, 12:37
Keir Starmer has become the first British leader since Winston Churchill to attend Armistice Day in France.
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The Prime Minister joined French president Emmanuel Macron at the ceremony in Paris on Monday, laying wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and inspecting the armed forces.
Starmer said that he was "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."
The French and British armies fought together in France against Germany in the First World War. Over two million soldiers from the two armies are estimated to have died during the conflict, which ran from 1914-1918.
A Downing Street spokesperson added later that Starmer and Macron discussed the war in Ukraine, "including how best to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position going into the winter."
They also discussed the Middle East, as "both underscored their deep concern at the situation in Gaza and Lebanon and "reiterated the need for stability in the West Bank."
Starmer and Macron talked about Channel migrants, with the PM setting out his "mission to disrupt and deter smuggling gangs across Europe".
The spokesperson added that "the leaders strongly agreed on the importance of bearing down on illegal migration at every stage of a migrant's journey."
Starmer left Paris after the event to head to Cop29 in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan.
In the UK, events are focusing on the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.
On the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day, of the eleventh month, we pause to remember all those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) November 11, 2024
Lest we forget.
The Duchess of Edinburgh is among the guests at the event.
Starmer'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, Starmer is the first UK prime minister to have attended the Paris commemorations since Churchill joined General Charles de Gaulle in 1944.
It comes as Starmer announced more than £10 million to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day and VJ day.
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.
On Remembrance Sunday, King Charles and veterans observed the traditional two-minute silence at the Cenotaph in central London, as the nation paid its respects.
The King was joined at the cenotaph by Prince William and Princess Kate to pay tribute to those who have lost their lives in war.
Around 10,000 veterans marched past the Cenotaph in Whitehall.
Over 800 serving members from the British Army, the Royal Navy, and Royal Air Force were on duty for the Remembrance services. They were positioned at the Cenotaph as well as Westminster Abbey and Westminster Cathedral.
The Remembrance Sunday services pay tribute to the Armistice of the First World War and other conflicts that involve British and Commonwealth Forces.
