The war lessons VE Day teaches us

VE Day in Wragby 1945.
Courtesy of the John Edwards Collection EMN-200105-120426001 — VE Day in Wragby 1945. Courtesy of the John Edwards Collection EMN-200105-120426001

I write this as we reflect on 75 years of relative peace since WW2.

The lessons of the conflict are clear. In war, people die, others are injured physically or emotionally, fear dominates thought and times for all are tough.

Collaboration and cooperation between nations and peoples helps us understand one another and prevent conflict. Extreme petty-nationalism provokes suspicion and hatred against anyone seen as ‘different’.

It is saddening to see once great nations, the United Kingdom and the United States among others, reverting to competition and confrontation which will inevitably lead to conflict.

I do hope that public debate can once again become balanced and proportionate, and that British values of respect and fairness to others can return.