Victory in Europe and Japan: 80th Anniversaries

Lord Bishop of St Albans Excerpts

Thursday 20th March 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Twycross (Lab)]

We are clearly talking to all our allied partners in this respect. Although this perhaps was not mentioned explicitly in Stephanie Peacock’s Statement, I note that I specifically mention American forces. It would be remarkable if they were not also part of the commemorations—I make it clear that they are commemorations—and government departments are working to make sure that that happens.

[The Lord Bishop of St Albans]

My Lords, can the Minister say a little more about VJ Day? Outside St Albans Cathedral is the peace obelisk given by the people of Japan because of the courageous witness of the then dean, Dean Thicknesse. Each year, on 6 August, we have an ecumenical act of witness and prayers there. What is being done specifically to educate people about the dreadful carnage caused by atomic bombs and how we can build today a world that does not need to use them in the future?

[Baroness Twycross (Lab)]

Our country contributes to nuclear non-proliferation. The type of ecumenical reflection the right reverend Prelate mentioned is clearly appropriate to commemorate the devastating way in which we reached VJ Day. We will make sure that both the VE and VJ Day anniversaries are appropriately commemorated. The specific commemorative event for VJ Day will be a service at the National Memorial Arboretum. Further details of our VJ Day plans will be shared more widely as the year progresses.