Sir Keir Starmer became the first UK leader since Churchill to commemorate the Armistice in France today after a personal invitation from Emmanuel Macron.
Starmer joined the French president in laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris this morning, and is set to
According to Number 10, Sir Keir is the first UK prime minister to have attended the Paris commemorations since Churchill joined General Charles de Gaulle in 1944.
Sir Keir’s trip to Paris for talks with Mr Macron came 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 meeting with Mr Macron and French prime minister Michel Barnier, Sir Keir had a breakfast reception with representatives of the British defence community in France.
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.
It comes a day after King Charles led the nation in remembering those who lost their lives in two world wars and other conflicts at the Cenotaph in central London.
The King laid a wreath at the Cenotaph before leading a two-minute silence across the country.
He was joined by veterans of World War II and an assortment of religious and political leaders.
Around 10,000 veterans marched past the Cenotaph to mark Remembrance Sunday, representing 326 different armed forces and civilian organisations for the Royal British Legion.
After laying the wreath, Charles was followed by Prince William and Princess Anne, before political leaders took the spotlight.
The Princess of Wales also appeared on the central balcony during the service accompanied by the Duchess of Edinburgh.
Last year, Kate stood next to the Queen, however due to Camilla’s absence this year due to a chest infection she was joined by Sophie instead.
A wreath was instead laid on the Queen’s behalf in her absence.
The pair emerged just before 11am to join the nation in commemorating those who have died or suffered in war and conflict.
It is the first time since the start of the year that Kate, who is recovering from cancer, is carrying out two consecutive days of public official engagements.
She previously attended the Royal British Legion Festival Of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday evening.
During the service, Sir Keir Starmer and new Tory leader Kemi Badenoch also laid their wreaths at the memorial, as did Lib Dem leader Ed Davey and SNP’s Westminster leader Stephen Flynn.
An unprecedented eight former prime ministers were also in attendance as part of the political contingency- Lord David Cameron, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, Rishi Sunak, Baroness Theresa May, Sir Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, and Sir John Major.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer are among the politicians watching the Remembrance Sunday service from a balcony at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
Only the heads of parties with six or more seats in Parliament, plus the leaders of the largest party from each of the devolved nations, lay a wreath at the Cenotaph during the service.
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Reform has five MPs and the Greens have four.
Among the crowds lining barriers on Whitehall were military veterans proudly wearing their medals, while others waited nearby to take part in the Royal British Legion march past the memorial.
Charles wore military dress, as did the other royals, and after laying his wreath he saluted in his greatcoat worn over his uniform of an Admiral of the fleet, with a sword by his side.
His wreath closely resembled a floral tribute produced for his grandfather King George VI – 41 open-style poppy petals made from bonded fabric mounted on black leaves, traditional for a sovereign’s wreath and featuring a tied ribbon in the colours of the King’s racing silk – scarlet, purple and gold.
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