Honouring the Greatest Generation — Marking 80 Years Since the End of WWII

Yesterday I spoke in the House of Commons in a debate to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War — a tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and determination of the Greatest Generation.

In my speech, I reflected on the hard-won triumph of democracy over authoritarianism, nationalism, and fascism — and why the sacrifices made by so many must never be forgotten. From the veterans of Newcastle-under-Lyme, across the United Kingdom, and throughout the Commonwealth, I offered my deepest gratitude to those who secured the freedoms we cherish today.

I also spoke about the spirit of community that continues to thrive in Newcastle-under-Lyme, celebrating a joyful VE Day party in the Westlands and thanking the brilliant local organisers who brought neighbours and families together to mark this historic anniversary.

In remembering local heroes — including Fred Kite, the only British soldier of WWII to be awarded the Military Medal three times, and two Staffordshire-born Spitfire pilots — I wanted to honour the extraordinary stories of ordinary people who answered the call of duty.

This speech is also deeply personal to me, reflecting on my own family history and the stories passed down from my grandparents, including my grandfather’s journey from Jamaica in 1941 to serve King and country and help rebuild Britain.

As I said in Parliament, without the blood, sweat, and tears of those across the Commonwealth and beyond, we simply could not — and would not — have won the war.