Keir Starmer hails ‘incredible sacrifice’ as he announces major change to pubs
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is encouraging people to come together and celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day next month. To help mark the occasion, pubs in the UK will be allowed to stay open two hours later than usual, until 1am on May 8. Normally, they close at 11pm.
This decision is part of a nationwide celebration to honour those who served during World War Two. Events will include concerts, street parties, and special decorations, like flags at the Cenotaph war memorial and ceramic poppies at the Tower of London. These poppies were first shown in 2014 to mark 100 years since the start of World War One.
King Charles and other royals are expected to appear on the balcony at Buckingham Palace, where the Red Arrows will fly past. However, the government has decided not to make it an extra Bank Holiday.
Starmer said this anniversary is a time for everyone to remember the sacrifices made by the wartime generation and to celebrate the peace and freedom they secured. He believes keeping pubs open longer will help people come together and raise a glass to the heroes.
The government has made similar changes in the past, such as during the Euro 2024 final and the Royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018.
Emma McClarkin, head of the British Beer and Pub Association, said this is a meaningful time for communities to gather. She believes pubs are the perfect places for people to share stories, honour veterans, and enjoy the sense of community and freedom.
