As the
VE Day
Celebrations kick off throughout the nation, with party leaders sharing their thoughts on what this day signifies for them.
The seven-day event commenced on Monday with a tribute from the monarch, followed by a military parade and an aerial display to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the conclusion of World War II in Europe.
Prime Minister
Keir Starmer
and Leader of the Opposition
Kemi Badenoch
have penned their reflections on this significant event for vtrik.
Now, the leaders of the three largest UK-wide parties in the House of Commons write below about the importance of the day, the historical significance, and
What VE Day signifies in 2025
.
Relive VE Day 1945 through vtrik’s live blog experience
Leaders at Victory in Europe Day Celebrations
-
Carla Denyer – Greens Party
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Ed Davey: In 1945 Britain set an example for the globe; we must lead once more.
80 years ago today, huge crowds of people gathered outside Buckingham Palace and on Whitehall, jubilantly waving Union Flags as they came together to celebrate the news that Britain and our allies had defeated the Nazis and secured victory in Europe.
There is no doubt that this was one of our nation's most illustrious moments.
As
Winston Churchill
informed those gatherings that this was a triumph for the mighty British nation as a whole. A country that had courageously stood alone against the Nazis when others were too afraid.
Today and always, let’s take pride in all that was accomplished, and with thankfulness, honor everyone who made the supreme sacrifice defending our nation and liberties—the individuals who offered their futures so that we could enjoy today.
Churchill stated, “We were the pioneers on this historic island to wield our swords against oppression. For some time, we stood as the sole defenders against one of the mightiest military forces ever witnessed... Darkness descended upon us and bombs rained from above. Yet, not a single person within the nation considered surrendering.”
Imagine how it must have felt for individuals in those gatherings—parents whose children perished on the shores of Normandy, wives who lost their husbands during aerial battles above England in the Battle of Britain, and families mourning relatives killed by German bombers.
All those who endured the Blitz, the periods without light due to blackouts, and struggled with rationing through their booklets. They made immense sacrifices throughout numerous years filled with mortality and devastation.
The happiness from that win, the sorrow from their loss, the immense relief that everything had finally ended – numerous feelings swirling together at the Mall and across the nation.
Above all, it was a moment when people were starting to hope again, to look to the future with real optimism.
Moreover, following six lengthy years of spearheading global efforts against Hitler’s fascism and achieving victory, Britain once more assumed a leadership role—not in warfare, but in peacetime endeavors. It was Britain that guided the way forward in constructing the future post-war era.
We assisted in establishing fresh platforms to promote peace, safeguard human rights, and enhance trade and economic collaboration — ranging from organizations like NATO and the UN to initiatives such as the European Convention on Human Rights and the Bretton Woods financial framework.
In the midst of wartime devastation, under the haunting memory of the Holocaust, and facing the threat of nuclear arms, British leadership provided genuine hope for humanity.
Even with all the difficulties that ensued—every trial and hardship over the last eighty years—it’s undeniable that the world has benefited from it, thanks to British leadership.
During both times of conflict and tranquility, the United Kingdom has continued to be a strong advocate for what is right: maintaining its prominence globally, upholding our principles, and collaborating with other nations.
What the world required 80 years ago is exactly what it desperately needs once more today.
Ed Davey MP serves as the leader of the Liberal Democrats.
Today is a day not only to reflect on the joint triumph of European and American forces and mourn the millions of lives lost, but also to express gratitude for our shared heritage and pride in our national history.
As we get closer to one of the last VE Day celebrations featuring surviving World War II veterans, it becomes increasingly crucial to pay tribute to their remarkable sacrifices and unwavering bravery.
They stand as one of the final generations of Britons who remained steadfast in their defense of democracy and triumphed over tyranny.
And now we find ourselves in an era where patriotism regarding our past is prevalent.
declining — down 22%
—and unprecedented numbers are contemplating moving away from Britain entirely. As we reflect at this moment, we should recall not just what was contested, but also the significance of those efforts.
Victory in Europe Day stands as a potent reminder of the fortitude, toughness, and principles that have molded our country — and why these elements are crucial to uphold.
In my view, multiple significant elements contribute to the diminishing sense of pride in our nation’s past: a governing elite that exhibits disdain towards our cultural legacy and customs; an educational framework prioritizing ideological brainwashing over authentic knowledge acquisition; and a rapid surge in population reshaping the demographic fabric of our society.
VE Day is an excellent opportunity to ponder what instills pride in being British.
Much of this can be attributed to our Christian heritage, which has made us one of the most inclusive nations globally—welcoming individuals who genuinely require support.
We have welcomed Protestants from France, Jews fleeing Russia, Asians ousted from Uganda, numerous refugees during World War II, and most recently, Ukrainians who fled their homes due to the ongoing assaults.
Many of these individuals have made significant contributions to this nation, which should not be disregarded.
However, there are certainly individuals who lack gratitude for their presence here; those who indeed pose a risk to both others and our British identity.
More and more youngsters are ignorant about the importance of VE Day, unfamiliar with British history’s grandeur, and uncertain whether they wish to stay and forge their futures in this country.
In order for any nation to flourish, it needs to be united by shared beliefs or origins—regardless of one’s skin colour or ethnic background; people should take pride in these common threads.
To have the type of patriotism and prosperity we're commemorating today, individuals should sense that their leaders act on their behalf and prioritize their welfare exclusively.
Those setbacks were what led to
bring me out of retirement to head up Reform UK
.
Our aim goes beyond rejuvenating a faltering economy, mending the fractured National Health Service, and regaining sovereignty over our borders—it’s also about bringing the nation together through shared principles. These include a profound reverence for British values, heritage, and customs that we cherish collectively.
Primarily, the government needs to cater to its citizens, just like our leaders during wartime did.
That principle has been forgotten, and restoring it is our mission.
I truly hope everyone takes the opportunity to honor our veterans, acknowledge our past, and appreciate our culture during this Victory in Europe Day anniversary and long after.
Nigel Farage MP leads Reform UK.
Carla Denyer: ‘Never Again’ must be more than empty words
This week marks 80 years since the conclusion of World War II in Europe—the most devastating war ever recorded, resulting in more than 50 million deaths worldwide, among whom were six million Jews who perished during the Holocaust.
We honor those who were lost, and we express our heartfelt gratitude to the
service personnel who battled to safeguard our liberties.
Whenever we discuss those terrible occurrences, we frequently utter 'never again.' However, all too often, these words end up being nothing more than mere lip service.
Occasionally, the terror of what transpired during that grim era of history can obscure our vision regarding how the origins of devastation—totalitarianism, bias, and bigotry—might stealthily infiltrate our contemporary societies.
Today, governments across the world are restricting the freedoms of their citizens, pursuing aggressive territorial expansion, and exploiting social divisions to consolidate their power.
Consider Hungary's recent prohibition on Pride parades and other LGBTQ+ events. Also, take into account Russia's escalating repression of free speech and President Putin's unlawful military intervention in Ukraine.
Or the frightening surge of deportations under the Trump administration, which appears to target individuals who have shown backing for Palestine.
Saying 'never again' carries an obligation to stay vigilant about what’s occurring globally. This includes paying attention to how political figures vilify others—such as when Trump labelled Mexicans as 'drug dealers, criminals, and rapists'; or strip them of their humanity—by referring to migrants as swarms, or Palestinians as '
vermin
'); and to divide (such as those opposing 'Judeo-Christian values' with 'foreign' cultures).
And 'never again' entails an obligation to proactively stand against efforts that seek to weaken the connections we have with those surrounding us, irrespective of our beliefs, where we were born, or the color of our skin.
This involves maintaining our compassion, being open to listening, and striving to grasp experiences different from our own.
We've discovered that whenever political figures chase after authority, dominance, and land, it's typically everyday citizens who bear the cost—whether it be through losing our liberties, our dignity, or even our lives.
Carla Denyer serves as one of the co-leaders of the Green Party in England and Wales.
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