KEIR STARMER: 'Whole of Britain should unite to honour World War II heroes on VE Day'

THE whole of Britain should come together tomorrow to honour both the heroes of the Second World War and those who serve in the military today, says.

The Prime Minister set the scene for four days of VE Day celebrations, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of the conflict in Europe on May 8 -- and urged the nation to get right behind them.

will kick off events tomorrow when there will a flypast and a military parade in the capital.

Actor Timothy Spall will return to his role as Winston Churchill -- who he played in the movie The King's Speech -- to read out some of the wartime PM's famous words.

And across the UK, people will be enjoying themselves at street parties, re-enacting the jubilant scenes that greeted the news war was over on May 8, 1945.

Writing for us today, the Prime Minister hailed the sacrifices made by our military heroes young and old and vowed: "We will all show how proud and grateful we are."

Mr Starmer will also host a Downing Street party for our treasured veterans and modern-day military heroes.

He said: "I will be... welcoming the brave servicemen and women who wear our colours at home and abroad. Of course, as our special guests, we will host some of the heroes of 1945."

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Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “80 years ago millions of people celebrated the end of the Second World War in Europe. This week, we will recreate this moment across towns and cities, in our homes, in pubs and on our streets.

“We must do all we can to ensure that the stories and memories of this period in our history are not forgotten. We must not forget the hardships, the heroics and the millions who lost their lives.

“We are here because of the sacrifices they made and the horrors they endured. This week, I urge the nation to come together and send a powerful message: we will remember them.”

'A chance to applaud the lion-hearted generation that defeated Nazi evil'

By KEIR STARMER, Prime Minister

THE bunting will go up. As it did eighty years ago.

Beacons will light up every corner of these islands. As they did eighty years ago.

People will come onto the streets, raise their glasses, and give thanks to the bravery of our . As they did eighty years ago.

Then, as we did eighty years ago, we can celebrate VE together as a nation.

It will be a moment to remember. A chance to applaud the lion-hearted generation that defeated Nazi evil.

But also an opportunity to honour those who follow in their footsteps and serve in our forces today.

Because just like the VE day heroes, they sacrifice so much to keep our country safe.

I think of the sub-mariner I met in Faslane, who told me just what spending 200 days at sea meant for his family. Missing birthdays, weddings and anniversaries.

Not being there in the family photographs. Yet still determined to do his bit to protect us all.

This week, in communities across Britain, we will all show how proud and grateful we are for that dedication.

I will be celebrating by welcoming the brave service men and women who wear our colours at home and abroad. Of course, as our special guests, we will host some of the heroes of 1945.

Because that is what is so special about moments like this. They bring us together. 80 years ago, as a young princess, even the late Queen Elizabeth II took the streets to celebrate.

Going unnoticed in the crowds, she talked of being swept up in a ‘tide of happiness and relief’.

This week, we must take the same opportunity to unite and give thanks to those who serve our country. Because without them, the freedom and joy of this week’s celebrations, may never have come to pass.