Starmer to spend Armistice Day in France - as crunch talks with Macron over Trump victory planned
10 November 2024, 22:49 | Updated: 11 November 2024, 05:31
Sir Keir Starmer will spend Armistice Day in France alongside British and French veterans at the Arc de Triomphe - before crunch talks with French president Emmanuel Macron about Donald Trump and Ukraine.
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The events comes as Downing Street announced more than £10 million to mark VE and VJ Day in the UK next year for the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.
The Prime Minister will travel to the French capital on the invitation of President Emmanuel Macron.
He will mark the armistice alongside British and French veterans and is expected to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arc de Triomphe, and memorials near the Champs Elysees.
Read More: Wrexham player James McClean refuses to stand beside teammates during Remembrance silence
During the visit, Starmer and Macron are also expected to discuss the ramifications of the re-election of Donald Trump to the US presidency upon Europe.
The topics for discussion will include the Russia-Ukraine war and Mr Trump's plans for tariffs on US imports.
According to Number 10, he is believed to be the first UK Prime Minister to have attended these commemorations since Winston Churchill joined General de Gaulle in 1944.
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.
Sir Keir said he is "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."
Sir Keir 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 US election will also be central to talks.
On Sunday, a Treasury minister confirmed that the UK is "considering and planning lots of different scenarios" after the election result.
Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones told Sky News's: "We're going to continue to work with the Biden administration until the inauguration on current American policy bases that aligns with our position in the UK, where we want to support Ukraine, that our support for Ukraine is resolute.
"We don't want any countenance of the idea that we're stepping back from that. That's why we're offering them £3 billion a year, which you know, in the fiscal context here in the UK, is difficult but the right decision for us."
Mr Jones added: "Officials will be considering and planning lots of different scenarios - as they would do under any administration - to make sure that the UK is in the strongest possible position."
The Prime Minister is also expected to host veterans, defence charities and members of the British military at the ambassador's residence.
