This year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two in Europe – Victory in Europe Day.

It was special to mark the 80th anniversary at Derby Cathedral.

Thirty years ago, perhaps to the day, I was in a concert at my primary school to mark the 50th anniversary of VE Day. There was music by Vera Lynn and Glenn Miller, and local WW2 veterans attended.

In 1995, many WW2 veterans, and people who served in reserved occupations, were still with us.

They had stepped up in Britain’s hour of need, and they were often unassuming about the remarkable contribution they made.

Three decades on, there is only a handful of that generation – who cheated death first time around – that are still with us.

VE Day is an opportunity to celebrate the defeat of fascism – and to express the enduring debt of thanks we owe to all who served, especially those who did not return.

VE Day should also serve as a warning.

War continues in Ukraine, so it was particularly special to spend some time with Ukrainian refugees who are now living in Derbyshire tonight.

I hope Ukranians will soon know the joy of peace that Britain felt when it was freed from fascism in 1945.