Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will make a historic appearance at the French Armistice Day ceremony in Paris on Monday, marking the 106th anniversary of the 1918 Armistice and becoming the first UK leader to attend the event since Winston Churchill in 1944. Invited by French President Emmanuel Macron, Starmer’s attendance is seen as a significant step in his ongoing efforts to reset relations with the European Union post-Brexit.
Downing Street confirmed that Starmer’s visit includes bilateral meetings with President Macron and newly appointed French Prime Minister Michel Barnier. This will be the first official meeting between Starmer and Barnier since the latter assumed office, signalling potential collaboration on shared priorities.
The Prime Minister’s attendance will include a tribute alongside French and British veterans to honour those who lost their lives in the First World War and subsequent conflicts. “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,” Sir Keir said.
During the visit, Starmer is expected to lay a wreath with President Macron at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arc de Triomphe, a profound symbol of French remembrance.
The visit comes amid the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s administration in Germany, which had played a key role in Starmer’s efforts to strengthen EU ties. The Prime Minister recently brokered a landmark defence deal with Scholz’s government, marking an early success in his plans to “make Brexit work.” With German elections now anticipated early next year, Starmer’s engagement with France could prove vital in maintaining momentum for his EU strategy.
As part of his commitment to remembrance, Starmer announced more than £10 million to fund national commemorations next year for the 80th anniversaries of VE and VJ Day, celebrating the service and sacrifice of UK and Commonwealth forces.
“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,” Starmer said, “delivering on our commitment to strengthen community spirit and cohesion and remember the fallen.”
Starmer’s visit underscores his ambition to restore strong ties with Europe.
