Dear John,

Happy VE day!

This is a day we should celebrate.

It would be a betrayal of those who fought and made sacrifices for us, to cede this day to nationalists. 

I’d like to invite you to celebrate this day with me, as one that marked Europe’s triumph over nationalism.

75 years ago, Europe came together to institute a lasting peace on the continent. After such hardship, our forebears came together to say, “never again”.

The 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe could not have come at a more appropriate time. As the world faces a very different crisis, we are all mindful of the Europeans who once came together in the name of international association.

Even as we must stay apart from our friends and our families, this is day to remember we are never alone.

If you want to celebrate peace in Europe at home, you can download our special internationalist bunting on our website.

This day means many things to many different people. To me, this day has always been about peace, not war, about accord and friendship, not unilateral victory.

So, I hope you will join me in celebrating all the progress made towards international harmony in the last 75  years, and in remembering all the work there is still left to do.

Best wishes,

Naomi Smith
CEO, Best for Britain