OPINION - The Standard View: We must protect the freedoms secured on the beaches of Normandy
It remains, to this day, the largest amphibious invasion in history. Troops from Britain, the United States, the Commonwealth and our allies landed on the beaches of Normandy to liberate France and ultimately defeat Nazi forces in Europe.
To watch 80 years on, as the last heroes return, is to witness the embodiment of bravery, sacrifice and service. It is no exaggeration that hundreds of millions of people owe their freedoms and prosperity to this generation. Many died so we could live.
It is therefore our privilege today to remember those who perished on the beaches and commemorate returning heroes. But the greatest tribute we can make is to keep the flame of freedom burning. It could hardly go unnoticed that today’s gathering of world leaders and veterans takes place in the shadow of war in Europe, following Vladimir Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.
As the events of D-Day slip from living memory, they will forever carry a message of hope. It falls to us — the descendants of the survivors — to pay our respects in different ways going forward. And to protect that freedom secured in blood on the beaches of Normandy.
Starmer’s power play
Labour has enjoyed a significant poll lead over the Conservatives for two years, although the question of whether the party is ready for government has still hung over Sir Keir Starmer. But according to an exclusive Ipsos poll for The Standard, nearly half of adults (47 per cent) now say Labour is ready for office, up eight points since May. Meanwhile, Sir Keir enjoys a clear lead over Rishi Sunak when it comes to the most capable prime minister.
Of course, the public remains sceptical in some ways. A remarkable 49 per cent still say they do not know what the Labour leader stands for, a concern that will not entirely have been assuaged by his performance in Tuesday television debate. Yet it seems to be making little difference. Short of a spectacular and widespread polling error, it seems likely that Sir Keir will be prime minister, and with a large majority.
Given the state of the Labour Party he inherited from Jeremy Corbyn in 2019, this is a unique political achievement. What he does with power remains to be seen.
Fashion parade
Men’s Fashion Week returns to the capital for a 40th anniversary extravaganza, and today’s Standard has your must-read guide for how to do it in style. But if you’re in a bind, take the advice of influencer Edie Liberty Rose: “Leopard print, zebra print, cow print — the more the better I think”.
