Sir Keir Starmer became the first British Prime Minister since Winston Churchill to mark Armistice Day in France as he joined French President Emmanuel Macron in a remembrance service this morning.
The Prime Minister marked Armistice Day in Paris, while events will take place across the UK to commemorate the end of the First World War.
Sir Keir and the French president laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arc de Triomphe in the French capital, on the 106th anniversary of Armistice Day.
His 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.
Sir Keir Starmer became the first British Prime Minister since Winston Churchill to mark Armistice Day in France as he joined French President Emmanuel Macro
Starmer, Macron and representatives from the French Armed Forces pay their respects to fallen soldiers in Paris on Monday
Starmer and Macron lay a large wreath at the Arc de Triomphe during today’s remembrance service
The Paris service took place at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the top of the Champs Elysee
Hundreds of dignitaries and members of the Armed Forces attended the proceedings in Paris
The pair attended a ceremony in Paris on Monday to commemorate the fallen
The motorcade carrying French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer drives up the Champs Elysees
His 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
Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh speaks during the Armistice Day celebration at the National Memorial Arboretum on November 11, 2024 in Alrewas, Staffordshire
A veteran salutes during the armistice commemoration at the ‘Tomb of the Unknown Soldier’ monument in Brussels
King Philippe of Belgium lays a wreath during remembrance ceremonies in Brussels
The Duchess of Edinburgh speaks during a ceremony at the National Memorial Arboretum on Monday morning
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.
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.
It comes as Sir Keir announced more than £10 million to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day and VJ day.
In the UK, events will focus on the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.
The Duchess of Edinburgh will be among the guests at the event.
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.
France’s President Emmanuel Macron and Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer attend commemorations during Armistice Day marking the end of World War I
Today’s proceedings marked the 106th anniversary of Armistice Day
The leaders signed the Golden Book of the Unknown soldier’s sacred flame at Place de l’Etoile
Macron and Starmer also attended a wreath-laying ceremony at the statue of Georges Clemenceau
Starmer is the first British Prime Minister to attend an Armistice Day service in France since Winston Churchill
Macron and Starmer rode through the streets of Paris on the back of an armed forces Jeep
Starmer met with veterans in Paris after wreath-laying ceremonies in the city
Ahead of the ceremony Sir Keir said he is ‘honoured to be in Paris to stand united with President Macron’
Starmer greets members of the Chelsea Pensioners veterans organisation
Ahead of the ceremony Sir Keir said he is ‘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’.
He added: ‘These events are vital in ensuring the memory of millions of young soldiers, sailors, and aviators live on for generations to come.
‘That is why this Government will bring the nation together in a moment of national reflection to mark the 80th anniversaries of VE and VJ Day next year, delivering on our commitment to strengthen community spirit and cohesion and remember the fallen.’
