Former MP Sir Simon Hughes will lead a ceremony to commemorate the victims of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the Second World War this Sunday (May 8).
The ceremony at the Peace Garden in the grounds of the Imperial War Museum traditionally takes place on May 9 – when Russia celebrates the Soviet victory in the Great Patriotic War against the Nazis. The Russian ambassador is usually invited, along with representatives from the other former Soviet states.
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This year former Bermondsey and Old Southwark MP Sir Simon campaigned for the Russian ambassador not to be invited to the ceremony, and for the date to be changed to May 8, when Ukraine celebrates victory – in light of the current war between the two countries, which has claimed thousands of lives so far.
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The 2pm wreath laying ceremony on Sunday will be followed by another event at the Ship and Anchor pub on Odessa Street that same afternoon. Sir Simon said he will meet local Ukrainian families to give a toast to their home nation in their struggle against the invaders.