Sir Keir Starmer is set to become the first British Prime Minister to spend Armistice Day in France since Winston Churchill in 1944.
Starmer will hold a bilateral meeting with President Emmanuel Macron with foreign policy issues set to be discussed, including the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the war in Ukraine.
The Prime Minister will host veterans, defence charities and British military personnel at the British ambassador’s residence, and is also expected to meet the new French prime minister Michel Barnier.
He said: “I am 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.
“These events are vital in ensuring the memory of millions of young soldiers, sailors, and aviators live on for generations to come.”
The meetings between Starmer and Macron come less than a week after it was confirmed that Donald Trump will be returning to the White House in January having been re-elected US president. There are concerns over what a second Trump term could mean for US support for Kyiv and Nato.
A senior Whitehall source said: “We are very keen to make sure we can make the most of the time between now and Jan 20 [when Mr Trump becomes US president] and not just put everything on hold until the next administration.”
Starmer also 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.
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Healey says he expects US to stand by Ukraine for ‘as long as it takes’ following Trump victory
Defence Secretary John Healey
PA
The Defence Secretary insisted he expects the US to stand by Ukraine for “as long as it takes to prevail over (Vladimir) Putin’s invasion” amid questions over the future of US support under Donald Trump.
John Healey said he thought the president-elect “recognises that countries get security through strength, just as alliances like Nato do.”
Asked whether Ukraine’s safety had diminished since Trump’s election win, Healey told Sky News: “No, I don’t. The US alongside the UK have been two of the leading countries that have been standing by Ukraine, supporting Ukraine, our determination to do so is just as strong.”
He added: “As far as President Trump goes, he recognises that countries get security through strength, just as alliances like Nato do, and I expect the US to remain alongside allies like the UK, standing with Ukraine for as long as it takes to prevail over Putin’s invasion.”
