Sir Keir Starmer will deliver a major speech to commemorate Britain’s war heroes who gave their lives for our freedom.
The PM’s speech will kick off today at 9am just ahead of a national two-minute silence which is scheduled for 12pm.
Starmer will hail victory against “hatred, tyranny, and evil” before attending a thanksgiving service at Westminster Abbey.
A concert will take place in Horse Guards Parade later this evening, with performances from Samantha Barks and a revival of the BBC wartime comedy Dad’s Army.
The King will deliver a speech at 9pm, 80 years on since King George VI announced a message of gratitude and hope, commemorating the sacrifices made.
Eighty years ago today, fighting in Europe ended as the Allied Forces defeated the Nazis.
In his radio address on May 8, 1945, Winston Churchill declared it was “your hour” and “your victory”.
Widespread joy was seen across the country as Britain marked the end of the war in Europe.
Thousands of people gathered on the streets of London to celebrate despite the war still raging in Japan.
FOLLOW BELOW FOR LIVE UPDATES THROUGHOUT THE DAY…
‘Their victory will always be one of our finest hours’: Starmer sends message just before he delivers speech
Starmer posts on X, celebrating ‘those who fought for our freedom’
X/Keir_Starmer
The PM has posted on X to commemorate those who served during World War Two.
He wrote: “Their victory will always be one of our finest hours. Today, we come together to celebrate those who fought for our freedom.”
Starmer will deliver a speech at 9am today, celebrating VE Day 80.
He will remember those who sacrificed their lives for us and highlight the government’s decision to hike military spending and deliver a “defence dividend”.
World War Two veteran shares what King Charles said to her as they sat together during VE Day 80 celebrations
World War Two veteran Joy Trew has revealed what she and King Charles discussed as they sat together during VE Day celebrations.
The monarch had the honour of sitting with Trew, 98, who carried out vital work as a code interceptor during the war.
She joined Andrew Pierce, Bev Turner and Tessa Dunlop on GB News to discuss her heroism and her experience of sitting with the King.
Thanksgiving service at Westminster Abbey scheduled for 12pm
A thanksgiving service is scheduled for 12pm at Westminster Abbey.
MPs and Lords will be in attendance as well as the King and Queen.
A nationwide two-minute silence is scheduled just before the service begins.
The Royal Family commemorate those who served during WW2
The Royal Family posted on X, remembering and celebrating those who served during the Second World War
X/RoyalFamily
The Royal Family have posted on X celebrating the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
The post reads: “On the 80th Anniversary of VE Day, we remember and celebrate all those who served during the Second World War.”
Poginant from 80 years ago, King Charles will deliver a speech at 9pm, the same time King George VI did, remembering those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom.
Charles will deliver the live address to the nation at a concert from the Horse Guards Parade in London.
A procession of Lords and MPs will take place at 11:15am
MPs and Lords will journey to Westminster Abbey
PA
A procession of Lords and MPs will commence this morning, led by the Speakers of both Houses.
They will journey from Parliament across Parliament Square to the VE Day service in Westminster Abbey.
Business will be interrupted to allow the procession to take place.
Sir Keir Starmer set to deliver speech at 9am on the 80th anniversary of VE Day
The PM will deliver a speech to the country this morning at 9am on the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
Sir Keir Starmer will mark the end of the war in Europe and declare victory against “hatred, tyranny, and evil”.
In a speech at the London Defence Conference, Starmer will say: “Britain’s victory was not just a victory for Britain.
“It was a victory for good against the assembled forces of hatred, tyranny and evil, for the light of our values – in a world that tried to put them out.”
