Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Starmer at Armistice Day in France, first prime minister since Churchill

Starmer accepted a “personal invitation” from French president Emmanuel Macron as part of the Labour-led government’s “reset with Europe” initiative.

Macron and Starmer review troops aboard a command vehicle on the Place de l'Etoile, as part of the commemorations marking the 106th anniversary of the November 11, 1918, Armistice, ending World War I (WWI), in Paris, on November 11, 2024. (Photo: Getty Images)
Macron and Starmer review troops aboard a command vehicle on the Place de l'Etoile, as part of the commemorations marking the 106th anniversary of the November 11, 1918, Armistice, ending World War I (WWI), in Paris, on November 11, 2024. (Photo: Getty Images)

KEIR Starmer on Monday became the first British prime minister to attend Armistice Day commemorations in France since Winston Churchill, who joined General Charles de Gaulle for the event after the Second World War. This ceremony, which marks the end of First World War hostilities, was held to honour those who lost their lives in service.

Starmer accepted a “personal invitation” from French president Emmanuel Macron as part of the Labour-led government’s “reset with Europe” initiative, attending the 106th anniversary of the 1918 Armistice in Paris. The leaders are also set to hold bilateral talks, focusing on the recent election of Donald Trump as US president and its potential impact on the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.


“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,” Starmer said. “These events are vital in ensuring the memory of millions of young soldiers, sailors, and aviators live on for generations to come.”

I am honoured to be in Paris to stand united with President @EmmanuelMacron in tribute to the fallen who made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom we enjoy today. pic.twitter.com/L7AgLvOtc1

— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) November 11, 2024

The UK government has announced over GBP 10 million in funding to mark the 80th anniversaries of VE Day (Victory in Europe) and VJ Day (Victory over Japan) next year, with national events planned to commemorate the end of the Second World War in 2025.

Downing Street noted that preparations for next year’s events are already underway. The government is coordinating with the Royal British Legion and veterans’ groups to design a programme that will foster national reflection, strengthen community spirit, and commemorate the fallen.

This comes after Remembrance Sunday events at the Cenotaph in London, honouring British and Commonwealth military and civilian service members.

Starmer was joined by former prime ministers, including Rishi Sunak, in laying poppy wreaths at the Cenotaph memorial during a solemn service. India’s high commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami, also attended, representing India.

A customary two-minute silence was observed to remember those who gave their lives in service, marking the end of the First World War on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918.

(With inputs from PTI)

More For You

Campbell Wilson

Air India CEO Campbell Wilson steps down as Air India Express chair

Air India CEO Campbell Wilson steps down as Air India Express chair

AIR INDIA CEO Campbell Wilson is stepping down as chair of Air India Express, the airline’s low-cost subsidiary. He will be replaced by Nipun Aggarwal, Air India’s chief commercial officer, according to an internal memo sent on Tuesday.

Wilson will also step down from the board of Air India Express. Basil Kwauk, Air India’s chief operating officer, will take his place.

Keep ReadingShow less
Harry and Meghan urge tougher safeguards to protect children online

Prince Harry criticised tech companies for citing privacy laws to deny access

Getty

Harry and Meghan urge tougher safeguards to protect children online

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have called for stronger protections for children online, warning that not enough is being done to shield young people from the dangers of social media

During a visit to New York, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle unveiled a new memorial dedicated to the memory of children whose families believe harmful online content contributed to their deaths. The installation, named the Lost Screen Memorial, features 50 smartphones, each displaying an image of a child lost to what their families describe as the adverse effects of social media. The memorial was made available to the public for 24 hours.

Keep ReadingShow less
Priyanka Chopra Teams Up with John Cena, Idris Elba in 'Heads of State'

An elite MI6 agent played by Priyanka Chopra Jonas

Getty

Priyanka Chopra fronts action thriller ‘Heads of State’ with John Cena, Idris Elba

A dynamic of action, comedy, and political misadventure is set to hit Prime Video this summer with the release of Heads of State. The newly launched trailer teases a fast-paced, explosive ride featuring Priyanka Chopra Jonas, John Cena, and Idris Elba in lead roles. The film is slated to premiere globally on 2 July 2025.

Directed by Ilya Naishuller, the filmmaker behind Hardcore Henry and Nobody, Heads of State is billed as a cross between Air Force One and Midnight Run. The film places mismatched world leaders at the centre of a chaotic crisis that forces them to work together, despite their egos and rivalries.

Keep ReadingShow less
Afghan exodus soars as Pakistan deadline nears

Afghan refugees arrive at a camp near the Torkham border last Sunday (20)

Afghan exodus soars as Pakistan deadline nears

MORE than 100,000 Afghans have left Pakistan in the past three weeks, the interior ministry said on Tuesday (22), after Islamabad announced the cancellation of residence permits.

Calling Afghans “terrorists and criminals”, the Pakistan government launched its mass eviction campaign on April 1. Analysts said the expulsions are designed to pressure Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities, which Islamabad blames for fuelling a rise in border attacks.

Keep ReadingShow less