VE Day 80th anniversary ceremony to begin with flypast and military procession in central London
Keir Starmer has praised the 'selfless dedication' of those who have served in the military before the anniversary of VE Day as the government unveiled a new £50m support system for veterans.
In an open letter to mark 80 years since the end of the second world war in Europe, the prime minister said the sacrifice made by members of the armed forces was a debt that could 'never fully be repaid'.
He said the country would show how thankful it was during events to commemorate VE Day, which signalled the end of fighting on 8 May 1945.
'It was also a victory for good against the assembled forces of hatred, tyranny and evil,' Starmer wrote. 'VE Day is a chance to acknowledge, again, that our debt to those who achieved it can never fully be repaid.'
Starmer said his thoughts would turn both to those who served in the second world war and those who carried 'the torch of their legacy' today.
'Alongside our history and our values, service is the other great force that binds a nation together,' he said. 'So this week, I want you to know: the whole nation is inspired by the selfless dedication of your example.' Share Midday BST: The ceremony begins in Parliament Square when Big Ben strikes midday, and an actor will recite extracts from the iconic Winston Churchill VE Day speech. A young person will then pass the Commonwealth War Graves Torch for Peace to Alan Kennett, 100, a Second World War veteran who served in the Normandy campaign. The Torch for Peace is an enduring symbol, honouring the contributions made by individuals, which will act as a baton to pass and share stories to future generations.
At 12.10 BST The procession will make its way to Buckingham Palace. The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and The King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery will then lead the procession from Parliament Square, down Whitehall and past the Cenotaph which will be dressed in Union Flags, through Admiralty Arch and up The Mall through to Buckingham Palace where the procession will finish.
They will be followed by a tri-service procession group featuring marching members of the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines, the British Army and the Royal Air Force. Cadets from all three services and other uniformed youth groups will also take part in the procession to ensure the message of VE Day is handed down to a new generation.
The Prime Minister and Second World War veterans supported by the Royal British Legion will watch the procession from a specially built dais on the Queen Victoria Memorial.
The King and Queen will be joined by the Prince and Princess of Wales to watch the procession
At 1.45pm BST a flypast featuring the Red Arrows and current and historic aircraft will take place
The King and Queen will host a tea party at Buckingham Palace for veterans, families and members of the wartime generation.
VE Day 80 street parties, picnics and community events will take place around the country. Share
Welcome to live coverage of the UK commemorations of VE Day. On 8 May 1945, Winston Churchill announced that the war in Europe was over and crowd took to the streets to celebrate.
Commemorative evens will be held across the UK and further afield over the next week to mark the anniversary with a procession down Whitehall and a flypast from the Red Arrows over central London later today.
There will be a service in Westminster Abbey on Thursday and, in August, another commemoration of Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day). Share Explore more on these topics
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