Next week, across Northern Ireland, communities will come together as we mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.

When Winston Churchill announced the end of the war in Europe with a speech broadcast from Downing Street on 8 May 1945, he said, “we may allow ourselves a brief period of rejoicing but let us not forget for a moment the toils and efforts that lie ahead.”

Eighty years on, events next week will be celebratory, but importantly, with solemn reflection and thankful hearts, we will honour the lives lost and sacrifices made by the generation who endured the horrors of World War II, and helped rebuild our country from the destruction of war.

Those from Northern Ireland played an integral part in our nation’s victory. On the day after war with Germany was declared, Lord Craigavon, Prime Minister of Northern Ireland, declared that “the whole of the resources” of the province would be placed at the disposal of the nation. Many chose to serve in the armed forces and paid the ultimate sacrifice in doing so, but what is often overlooked is the contribution of industry, which was intrinsic in helping to equip the nation for battle abroad and survival at home. Warships, merchant ships, munitions, uniforms left Belfast for battlefields, and our farmers increased food production to help feed the nation. The role played by those who stayed at home but worked tirelessly in our factories and fields to make such important contributions should not be forgotten.

One of those who served, and died, was local hero, Freddie Ball.

AM Alfred Henry Wynn Ball KCB DSO DFC was born in Pakistan to British parents working overseas but he returned to his family's native home of Belfast for his education at Campbell College. 

He joined the RAF in 1937 and after passing through RAF College he found himself flying Spitfires with No.1 Photographic Reconnaissance Unit (PRU). His war was eventful with accidents and numerous entanglements with the enemy. 

One of the most experienced reconnaissance airmen, he commanded three RAF Reconnaissance squadrons amongst others. Surviving the war, he was appointed Chief of Staff at the Supreme Headquarters of the Allied Powers Europe in 1968, Director General of RAF Organisation in 1971, and he finished his military career as Deputy Commander of Strike Command in 1977 before retiring in 1979. He passed away in Henley-on-Thames in January 2012.

There is no national memorial to the PRU, but working with others, I want that to change. The ‘Spitfire AA810 Project’ seeks to establish such a memorial in central London and given that the death rate of those in the PRU was nearly fifty percent, and life expectancy in the unit was around two and a half months, a national memorial to the PRU is only right and proper.

Men like Freddie Ball helped secure victory in Europe that was about so much more than a military triumph and the reclamation of territory. It was a victory of democracy, of freedom over tyranny, of humanity over hate. These values were at stake then, and they remain under threat today.

Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine reminds us that peace, democracy, and sovereignty can never be taken for granted. Once again, the world is witnessing the rise of authoritarianism and aggression. But once again, Northern Ireland is playing its part. From Belfast, Thales manufactured missiles are helping defend a sovereign nation against dictatorship, just as Stirling Bombers and Sunderland Flying boats had done in World War II. It is a modern echo of our wartime legacy. Not just remembering history, but actively standing up for the principles that underpin our society.

As we commemorate VE Day this coming week, let us do so with gratitude for the past and resolve for the future. I encourage everyone across Northern Ireland to join in the events and celebrations, to remember those who gave so much, and to reflect on the enduring need to defend freedom, wherever and whenever it is threatened.

Enjoy your weekend,

Rt Hon Gavin Robinson MP

DUP Leader

Weekly review with Cllr. Sarah Bunting