Birmingham, UK(Punjab Outlook) – As the nation marks the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, Preet Kaur Gill MP has paid tribute to the courage and sacrifice of all those who served during the Second World War, while also welcoming the Government’s announcement of a new nationwide support network for veterans.
VE Day, observed annually on May 8th, commemorates the end of the war in Europe in 1945, when Allied forces formally accepted the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany. This year’s milestone anniversary offered the opportunity for reflection and remembrance across the country.
Speaking on the occasion, Preet Kaur Gill, Member of Parliament for Birmingham Edgbaston and the UK’s first female Sikh MP, said the 80th anniversary is a poignant reminder of the human cost of war and the bravery of those who fought for freedom.
“VE Day is a moment to remember the extraordinary courage of those who served and the lives tragically lost in the struggle against fascism. We owe a profound debt of gratitude to all who sacrificed so much so that future generations could live in peace and democracy,” she said.
Gill also paid a deeply personal tribute to her grandfather, who served in the Burma campaign during the Second World War. She highlighted the significant contributions made by the Sikh community and the broader British Indian Army, many of whom fought with distinction alongside British forces in theatres of war across Europe, North Africa, and Asia.
“Over 80,000 Sikhs served in the British Indian Army during World War II. Their legacy of valour, resilience, and sacrifice must never be forgotten. As the granddaughter of one such soldier, I feel a personal connection to this history and a responsibility to ensure these stories continue to be told,” she added.
In the lead-up to VE Day, the UK Government unveiled a new initiative aimed at strengthening the support system available to veterans. Known as the VALOUR Network, the programme is designed to provide easier and more integrated access to essential services, including housing, employment, and healthcare. Backed by £50 million in funding, VALOUR will connect regional and national services, enable data-driven support delivery, and foster closer collaboration with veteran-led organizations and charities.
Gill welcomed the announcement, noting that it represents an important step toward recognizing and responding to the complex needs faced by those who have served in the Armed Forces.
“Veterans deserve more than our gratitude – they deserve practical, coordinated support that reflects the challenges they face in civilian life. I am pleased to see the Government take this step with the VALOUR Network. I will continue to work to ensure that the system delivers on its promise and reaches those who need it most,” she stated.
The VALOUR system is expected to roll out across the UK through new regional networks that aim to break down silos between public, private, and voluntary services, offering a more holistic and accessible model of care for veterans and their families.
As commemorations continue nationwide, Preet Kaur Gill has called on communities to reflect not only on the past but also on how best to support those who have borne the cost of service.
“VE Day is not just about remembering history—it is about honoring the people who made that history. We must ensure that their legacy lives on not only in our hearts, but in the systems we build to care for them today,” she concluded.