Wolverhampton MP calls for one minute silence and applause to mark VE Day

Stuart Anderson, a former British Army sniper, made the call as part of celebrations on May 8 to commemorate 75 years since the Second World War ended.

It comes after the Wolverhampton South West MP was contacted by Korean War veteran Fred Brune, who, alongside veteran Lyndon Purnell, who made the request.

Mr Anderson said: "Unfortunately many street parties and other social gatherings scheduled to celebrate VE day have been cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak.

"I commend my constituents call for a minute’s silence followed by a round of applause to take place in homes and other residential settings across the constituency.

"This is to honour the memory of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country and all those involved in wars and conflicts past.

"I hope that other places will follow our lead in taking steps to ensure that this significant moment in British history is still remembered.

"The Armed Forces are playing a significant role in the national effort to tackle coronavirus. It is only right we remember them."

VE Day commemorates the formal acceptance of Germany's unconditional surrender on May 8, 1945 – with the 75th anniversary being designated a bank holiday.

The plan is for a one minute's silence followed by a one minute clap to take place at 11am.

Fred Bunce, who is a Korean War veteran and chairman of the Royal British Legion's Wolverhampton Central branch, said: "VE Day 2020 was going to be a great day for everyone concerned in Wolverhampton.

"This was the 75th anniversary of VE day and we had proposed and were getting ready for a big celebration in the city at the cenotaph where we would stand and remember all those who gave their lives in the Second World War.

"We would also remember all those who returned home, including prisoners of war returning home hoping to make a new life.

"But many of them were not able to do so because of what they had done, what they had seen, and what they had endured during those years of war.

"We hope that, as veterans in the city, you would join us to remember all those that died during the conflict. Please join us in this remembrance on the day from your homes.

"Our president Mr Lyndon Purnell suggested the round of applause to me after I suggested the minutes' silence."