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Victory in Europe and Japan 80th Anniversaries 2025-03-13
13 March 2025
Lead MP
Stephanie Peacock
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
No tags
Other Contributors: 22
At a Glance
Stephanie Peacock raised concerns about victory in europe and japan 80th anniversaries 2025-03-13 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The Government plans to mark the 80th anniversaries of VE Day and VJ Day include a programme of activities up and down the UK. Celebrations will start on May Bank Holiday with the Cenotaph draped in flags overnight followed by a military procession and flypast. There will be street parties across the country, iconic buildings lighting up in commemoration, and 25,000 ceramic poppies cascading from the Tower of London. Special events include performances at Westminster Abbey and a VE Day concert by the BBC. On VJ Day, there will be a service at the National Memorial Arboretum led by the Royal British Legion.
Saqib Bhatti
Con
Meriden and Solihull East
Acknowledges the importance of commemorating VE Day and VJ Day, paying tribute to all those who served in the armed forces. Reflects on sacrifices made by soldiers from the Commonwealth and the UK. Emphasises the need for remembrance and education about the contributions of troops from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Australia, New Zealand, the Caribbean, Africa, Canada and other countries. Welcomes the Government’s announcement on 'Our Shared Story' to pass on stories of the second world war generation.
Pays tribute to VE Day and VJ Day, encouraging celebrations while acknowledging the current conflict in Ukraine. Supports local government and councils in planning events.
Jo Platt
Lab/Co-op
Leigh and Atherton
Welcomes the Minister's statement and thanks for the service of veterans like Eric Radcliffe, emphasising the importance of recording veterans' stories to ensure they are not lost over time.
Jamie Stone
LD
Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross
Associates his party with the planned commemorations. Emphasises the lessons learned from appeasement before WWII and suggests recording veterans' memories for future generations to learn from.
Adam Jogee
Lab
Newcastle-under-Lyme
Acknowledges the service of people from across the Commonwealth during WWII, asks about discussions with the Commonwealth secretariat regarding these commemorations.
Danny Kruger
Con
East Wiltshire
Pays tribute to the veterans in his constituency who were part of Operation Overlord. Asks for senior national representation in Wiltshire around D-Day events.
Alex Baker
Lab
Aldershot
Celebrates Aldershot and Farnborough’s contribution to every major conflict, including WWII, and congratulates Councillor Sophie Porter and Councillor Nadia Martin on their work for the community.
Andrew Rosindell
Con
Romford
Commemorates the liberation of the Channel Islands in Operation Nest Egg and requests that this event is also part of VE 80 commemorations.
Shaun Davies
Lab
Telford
Welcomes the community fund launched by Telford and Wrekin council to mark the occasion, emphasising the role of allies then and now in celebrating this event.
Iain Stuart
Con
Constituency not mentioned
Debated about Parliament's choir programme for VE Day celebrations, mentioning contributions from composers of various countries including Bach and Russian music. He expressed hope that Russia could become an ally again under a different leader.
Barnsley East
Acknowledged the contributions to VE Day and VJ Day celebrations, mentioned the Parliament choir's involvement and highlighted tributes to veterans. Announced support for local organisations like West Bromwich Royal Naval Association club and Oldbury Royal British Legion. Emphasised importance of supporting veterans today and shared information about a 'Letters to Loved Ones' initiative.
Sarah Coombes
Lab
West Bromwich
Complimented the Government's announcement for VE Day and VJ Day tributes. Called out local associations doing important work, such as West Bromwich Royal Naval Association club and Oldbury Royal British Legion.
Seamus Logan
SNP
Aberdeenshire North and Moray East
Discussed the impact of WWII on Scotland and Aberdeenshire specifically, mentioning casualty rates. Asked for assurance that all Government Departments would work to uphold the legacy of VE Day and look after veterans.
Jim Dickson
Lab
Dartford
Welcomed the Government’s announcement on the celebrations but highlighted Dartford's historical importance during WWII. Mentioned a suspected unexploded WW2 bomb incident in his constituency. Suggested using VE and VJ Day to uncover wartime histories.
Desmond Swayne
Con
New Forest West
Asked about initiatives regarding war graves at sea due to plundering for scrap metal or other materials.
Claire Hughes
Lab
Bangor Aberconwy
Welcomed the Government’s statement and asked how veterans can be involved in celebrations in north Wales.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Congratulated on contributions to VE Day and VJ Day. Asked about BBC broadcasting wartime films and whether they would remember the post-war occupation of central and eastern Europe by the Soviet Union.
Carla Lockhart
DUP
Upper Bann
Highlighted Northern Ireland's role in WWII, mentioned Lurgan’s Brownlow Castle historical significance. Asked for Government financial support to restore the castle's family wing.
Ben Obese-Jecty
Con
Huntingdon
Welcomed commitment to commemorate VE Day and VJ Day. Raised concerns about Commonwealth War Graves Commission budget funding due to increased activity this year.
Rebecca Smith
Con
South West Devon
Celebrated the CWGC's 'For Evermore' project being integrated into VE Day and VJ Day celebrations, emphasising its importance for descendants of those commemorated.
Richard Holden
Con
Basildon and Billericay
Encourages all local councils across the country to participate in VE Day celebrations through beacon lighting and suggests writing a letter to those organising international visits for parliamentarians to visit war graves around the world.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Thanks the Minister for her statement, emphasises the significance of remembering and celebrating VE Day and VJ Day in British history. Asks the Minister to consider allocating additional funds to devolved nations to ensure local councils have the capacity to fund services and events.
Government Response
Government Response
The Government will mark the 80th anniversaries of VE Day and VJ Day with a programme of activities up and down the UK. These include street parties, military parades, lighting up of iconic buildings, and special events at Westminster Abbey, the National Memorial Arboretum, and the BBC. The initiative aims to bring communities together to celebrate and remember the sacrifices made during the second world war. Supports VE Day celebrations, encouraging local government involvement. Acknowledges veterans' contributions, including those from Commonwealth nations, and promotes initiatives like 'Letters to Loved Ones' for preserving veterans’ memories. Acknowledged contributions to VE Day and VJ Day tributes. Highlighted the 'Letters to Loved Ones' initiative encouraging exploration of family history during WWII. Promised meetings or letters about war graves at sea. Stated that BBC was working on broadcasting films made during the war years, as part of a concert planned for 8 May. Encourages street parties, flexible rules by local councils, launches a new initiative called 'Tip Top Towns' to encourage people to decorate their local areas, and mentions grants available from the National Lottery Community Fund. Agrees to write letters as suggested.
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