Pubs will be allowed to stay open until 1am on the 80th anniversary of VE Day so Brits can "raise a toast to veterans," according to Government plans for the celebration. The plans to commemorate the end of WW2 will mean that venues which normally close at 11pm will be allowed to stay open 2 hours later.

Sir Keir Starmer said that the change would allow people across the UK to "raise a glass" to those who fought for freedom during the Second World War. He added: "As we mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, the whole country should come together to remember the incredible sacrifices made by the wartime generation and to celebrate the peace and freedom they secured for us all.

"Keeping our pubs open for longer will give people the opportunity to join in celebrations and raise a glass to all of the men and women who served their country, both overseas and at home."

Downing Street said it would give a “welcome boost” to the hospitality industry, hit hard by Covid and now confronting spiralling National Insurance contributions (NICs) ordered by Rachel Reeves.

VE Day falls on May 8. It is the day Allied Forces formally announced the surrender of Germany, bringing the Second World War to a close on the continent.

VJ Day, which marks victory over Japan and the end of the war in total, is on Aug 15.