Sir Keir in France.

Yesterday in the UK the nation remembered the fallen of two world wars and wars since. To remember all those members of the armed services who had given their lives in conflicts. All across the nation from the Cenotaph in London to similar shrines like the Cenotaph similar events happened. While it is a shame that humans still seek to resolve differences through mass killing (war), you have to respect the actions of the armed forces. It is governments that fall out not the people. While we may question the motivations of war you must respect the bravery of the armed forces past and present.

Sir Keir was in France at the invitation of President Emmanual Macron. To remember how WW1 ended in an armistice. Sir Keir said, "These memories are vital in ensuring the memory of millions of young soldiers, sailors, and aviators live on for generations to come".

Before he attended the event Sir and Mr. Macron discussed the issues of Ukraine and Gaza. What they discussed will remain private as there is no dialogue available. Certainly, with the election of President Trump once more, things may change dramatically. However, Biden remains president for now.

Sir Keir Starmer is the first British leader since Winston Churchill who met President de Gaul in 1944 to remember the armistice of the 1914-1918 war. British and French veterans were also present to pay tribute to the fallen of all wars.

Sir Keir has also earmarked 10 million Pounds to mark the 80th anniversaries of VE and VJ Day next year. VE is the victory in Europe when Allied forces defeated the forces of Nazi Germany. VJ is the victory over Imperialist Japan by Allied forces. As the years go by there are fewer and fewer veterans still around. So it is important to remember this conflict as WWII was the most destructive war in history. Lessons can be learned so that conflicts cannot happen again. Even though wars are raging now lessons can still be learned to stop them. Will there ever come a time, when humans do not solve disputes or differences through war? That is the $64,000 Dollar question and many speak of peace but as of yet, that is a pipe dream for our species.

Sir Keir laid a wreath near the Champs-Elysees and the Arc de Triomphe. At the tomb of the unknown soldier remembering all those who have given their lives for France whether French or not.

We live in very insecure times and a changing world. World leaders must now negotiate and navigate these troubling times. Two wars which threaten to escalate are still raging, the BRICS nations are becoming an alternative group to Western hegemony, Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea challenge the dominance of the US and NATO.

With the reelection of Trump Europe and the world are in unknown territory. The man is promising to end the conflict in Ukraine and Gaza. The question has to be asked is this all bluff and bluster? Will Trump make peace that accommodates all combatants? Trump has a warm relationship with both Putin and Netanyahu. Will his friendship with these dictatorial men hinder or help any peace agreements?

War should always be a tool of last resort. As Churchill said, "Jaw jaw is better than war war". In other words, talking is always better than resorting to violence. The story of war is always told by the victor.

Nevertheless, whoever wins or loses, regardless of race, nationality, faith, etc, if only we could look beyond these labels and realize we are all humans and we all suffer.

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