Prime Minister and Duchess of Edinburgh lead Armistice Day commemorations

Watch: On Armistice Day veterans remember those that 'didn't come back'

Events have been taking place across the UK and Europe to commemorate Armistice Day – the day when the historic agreement that ended the First World War was signed.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer attended a ceremony in Paris, while Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, led commemorations at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.

At 11am on 11 November each year, the traditional two-minute silence marks the time and day when the armistice came into effect in 1918.

Sir Keir is the first British Prime Minister to attend commemorations across the Channel since Winston Churchill joined General Charles de Gaulle in 1944.

Sir Keir and French President Emmanuel Macron laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arc de Triomphe.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron lay wreath at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Arc de Triomphe 111124 CREDIT REUTERS.jpg — Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (Picture: Reuters)

Veterans Minister Al Carns said it was symbolic for the Prime Minister to be in Paris, 106 years since the guns fell silent.

Speaking to BFBS Forces News, he said: "It's a really big moment and it underpins this government's commitment to defence and remembering that freedom isn't free.

"Those that pay the ultimate sacrifice should be remembered and respected as is happening in France."

Armistice Day service at the National Memorial Arboretum honoured all those who have given their lives in service to their country since 1914 111124 CREDIT BFBS — The Armistice Day service at the National Memorial Arboretum honoured all those who have given their lives in service to their country since 1914

At the National Memorial Arboretum's Service of Remembrance, Sophie read an extract from For The Fallen, a poem by Lawrence Binyon, before observing the two-minute silence.

The Duchess of Edinburgh also laid a wreath at the Armed Forces Memorial alongside representatives from the Government and the military.

Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle and Speaker of the House of Lords, Lord McFall of Alcluith, Armistice Day Service in Westminster Hall Image ID 2YHCM13 111124 CREDIT PA — Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle attended a service in Westminster Hall (Picture: PA)

In Parliament, Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle led commemorations.

He laid a wreath during a ceremony to mark Armistice Day in Westminster Hall.

Poppy display by the 6th Ramsgate Sea Scouts on their Ice House base in Ramsgate to mark Armistice Day 111124 Image ID 2YHD45D CREDIT PA — A poppy display by the 6th Ramsgate Sea Scouts on their Ice House base in Ramsgate to mark Armistice Day (Picture: PA)

As part of Armistice Day commemorations, Sir Keir also announced more than £10m to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day and VJ day in the UK next year.

The Prime Minister pledged a "moment of national reflection" in 2025, with events on 8 May to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Allied victory in Europe, and also on 15 August to mark the end of the Second World War.