Keir Starmer hails 'incredible sacrifice' as he announces major change to pubs (2025)

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer urged pubgoers to 'come together' for the 80th anniversary of VE Day next month, which will be marked by concerts, street parties and a change to licensing hours

Sir Keir Starmer has urged the nation to 'come together' as he spoke out about a change to pub opening times. On Friday (April 18), Downing Street announced licensing hours will be extended to 1am on May 8.

This means pubs which normally close at 11pm will be able to remain open for an additional two hours. The change has been put in place to mark Victory in Europe (VE) Day, where Brits are set to come together to honour World War Two heroes. Taking to X on Saturday (April 19), the Prime Minister hailed the 'incredible sacrifices' made by those who fought in the war.

"On the 80th anniversary of VE Day next month, we will come together and remember the incredible sacrifices made by the wartime generation," his post read.

"As people across Britain raise a glass to veterans, we're extending pub opening hours until 1am so everyone can celebrate for longer."

VE Day will be marked this year by four days of festivities, kicking off on the Early May Bank Holiday on May 5. Plans for concerts and street parties are being drawn up across the country.

The Cenotaph war memorial in London is set to be draped in flags, while the Tower of London will be adorned with ceramic poppies.

The installation, titled Blood Swept Lands and Sea of Red, was first seen back in 2014, having been created by artist Paul Cummins and designer Tom Piper to mark 100 years since Britain’s involvement in World War One.

King Charles and other senior members of the Royal Family will also appear on the Buckingham Palace balcony for a Red Arrows fly-past on the day.

Despite the celebrations, politicians previously ruled out an additional Bank Holiday to mark VE day.

Starmer previously said: "As we mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, the whole country should come together to remember the incredible sacrifices made by the wartime generation and to celebrate the peace and freedom they secured for us all.

"Keeping our pubs open for longer will give people the opportunity to join in celebrations and raise a glass to all of the men and women who served their country, both overseas and at home."

A similar extension to licensing hours was put in place last summer for the Euro 2024 final between England and Spain in Berlin.

Pubs were also allowed to remain open for longer to mark the Royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle back in May 2018.

The CEO of the British Beer and Pub Association Emma McClarkin said: "This is a momentous occasion and, as the nation's second home, the pub is the perfect place for communities to gather and raise a glass to all of those who made huge sacrifices for our freedom.

"Extending licensing hours will mean people can come together for longer, nurture community spirit, and allow pubs to host even more commemorative events that honour our veterans and heroes and celebrate peace."