Summary

  • VE Day in 1945 saw Britain and its Allies formally accept Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender

  • The Queen will address the nation later this evening

  • Coronavirus lockdown means there will be no large scale street parties or parades

  • Extracts from Sir Winston Churchill's victory speech were broadcast at 15:00 BST

  • Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall led a two-minute silence this morning

  • Boris Johnson thanks the VE Day generation, saying "our gratitude will be eternal"

  • Updates on Friday 8 May

Live Reporting

Sitala Peek and Ian Murphy

  1. Good morning

    Sitala Peek
    BBC News, London

    Welcome to our live coverage of VE Day as the UK marks 75 years since the fight against Nazi Germany ceased in Europe.

    Winston ChurchillGetty Images

    News of the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany in 1945 prompted many street parties and celebrations across the UK.

    Today we hope to reflect how people are continuing that tradition in lockdown as the fight against coronavirus continues.

    As Winston Churchill 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."