Parliament marks 80 years since the end of the Second World War
7 April 2025
As the nation comes together to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day [VE Day], Parliament has confirmed a programme of commemorative events and activities taking place on the estate throughout the year.
Representing an important opportunity to remember the sacrifices of those who served during the Second World War, the 80th anniversary of VE Day will be marked in both the House of Commons and the House of Lords through a series of special events and displays – as well as with online and educational resources that will also be made accessible to the public.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons, said:
“As we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of war in Europe, we remember those MPs, peers and staff who made the ultimate sacrifice. We also take this moment to reflect with pride on the contributions made by members of our parliamentary community who kept the war effort going at the time - including those who formed the Palace of Westminster’s very own detachment of the Home Guard.
“Later this month I’ll be joined by veterans from our armed forces, as we mark the symbolic illumination of the Ayrton Light in the Elizabeth Tower to commemorate its relighting just before VE Day after years of wartime-imposed darkness. I look forward to joining the rest of the country in commemorating moments like these as we approach the anniversary later this year.”
Lord McFall of Alcluith, the Lord Speaker, said:
“I’m delighted that the UK Parliament will be playing its part in marking this historic occasion, recalling both the jubilation of victory and the sacrifices of the men and women who died protecting our country. I especially look forward to attending the special concert of the Parliament Choir in Westminster Hall, 80 years to the day since victory was declared in Europe.”
Commemorations started earlier this year, when the names of parliamentarians and staff who lost their lives during the Second World War began to be listed on the order paper of the House of Commons for the first time, starting on 16th January 2025 with the name of Lieutenant-Colonel Frank Heilgers, Royal Artillery, Member for Bury St Edmunds, who was killed in a railway accident in Ilford.
Books of Remembrance will be on display in both the Commons and the Lords, alongside the Commonwealth War Grave Commission’s Torch of Commemoration, presented to the Speaker of the House of Commons earlier this year.
Other activities taking place in Westminster include:
- ‘Parliament’s War Effort’ display: On display in Westminster Hall from May until September, this public display showcases imagery from the Parliamentary Collections - telling the story of Parliament during the Second World War through the experiences of twelve individuals who protected and supported Parliamentary democracy in wartime. On Friday 13th June and Friday 11th July, special evening events are being held, where members of the public can enjoy a twilight tour of Parliament.
- Illuminations and the ‘switch on’ of the Ayrton Light: In late April1945, Speaker Clifton Brown switched on the Ayrton Light in the Elizabeth Tower for the first time since 1939 – a poignant moment following six years of blackout conditions and a symbol of the return of peace before the formal announcement of ‘VE Day’ on 8th May. To mark the occasion, there will be a ceremonial switch on of the Ayrton Light by Speaker Lindsay Hoyle, who will be accompanied by veterans from the Armed Forces. On Tuesday 6th May, the Houses of Parliament will join other historic landmarks across the country as part of a mass illumination to commemorate VE Day.
- Speaker’s House tours: Throughout April and August, the public will have the chance to tour the State Apartments of Speaker’s House. Included in this year’s programme is the chance to explore objects that highlight the role Speaker Clifton Brown played as part of Parliament’s war effort and find out more about the physical impact of the Blitz on Speaker’s House – as well as the re-building and celebrations that followed the end of the War.
- Educational resources - Parliament’s Education Service has curated online resources for both primary and secondary children which explore Parliament’s War Effort, as well as the bombing of the House of Commons Chamber. For those attending Parliament in person throughout the year, there will be the chance to explore war time objects and discover more about Parliament during war time.
On the 10th March, the Speaker of the House of Commons, in partnership with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, unveiled a special exhibition in Portcullis House, honouring the 580,850 Commonwealth casualties of the Second World War. The 17.5 metre-long display brings together all the names that the Commonwealth War Graves Commission have commemorated around the world for Second World War into one place for the first time. It sits alongside the organisation’s ‘Torch of Commemoration’ - symbolising our responsibility to remember the two World Wars.
Later this year, the House of Commons will also mark the 75th anniversary of the rebuilding of the Commons Chamber, which was reconstructed in its entirety following one of the worst nights of the Blitz which killed three people on the estate and destroyed the Chamber and voting lobbies. It was re-opened in the presence of King George VI on 26 October 1950, with the new design including 23 heraldic shields for each of the MPs killed during the Second World War.
Image: ©House of Commons