Victory in Europe and Japan: 80th Anniversaries

Debate between Baroness Blake of Leeds and Lord Kerr of Kinlochard
Thursday 20th March 2025

(2 weeks, 5 days ago)

Lords Chamber
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Baroness Blake of Leeds Portrait Baroness in Waiting/Government Whip (Baroness Blake of Leeds) (Lab)
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If we conduct our business appropriately, we will still have time for other Members to come in. We have not heard from the Liberal Democrats.

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Baroness Blake of Leeds Portrait Baroness in Waiting/Government Whip (Baroness Blake of Leeds) (Lab)
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We will hear from the Cross Benches, please.

Lord Kerr of Kinlochard Portrait Lord Kerr of Kinlochard (CB)
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My Lords, I agree with the need to involve allies. I would like to say a word about the need to involve former enemies as well. My uncle was shell-shocked and injured at Kohima. My father was one of the first Army doctors to go into Bergen-Belsen; I think he was the first. They would have said that it is very important that commemoration should also be mingled with reconciliation. It is important that, on VE Day, the Germans are fully involved, as the Japanese should be on VJ Day.