Liberation Convoy Sails from Norway to Shetland to Mark VE Day 80th Anniversary

That the Parliament commemorates 80 years since the end of the Second World War in Europe, the anniversary of which is remembered on 8 May as VE Day (Victory in Europe); understands that this milestone anniversary is being commemorated in Shetland by a Liberation Convoy featuring five historic Norwegian vessels, which will sail from Norway to Lerwick, arriving on 6 May and staying until 9 May 2025, where they will be open to the public with guided tours and exhibitions educating visitors about the role of Norwegian sailors in the Second World War following the Nazi Germany invasion of Norway on 9 April 1940; acknowledges the contribution of Norwegian war sailors, many of whom spent the conflict in exile, and the importance of the ties between Norway and Shetland during Germany’s occupation of Norway when small boats carried refugees, agents and supplies between Shetland and Norway with over 200 trips taking place in what became known as the "Shetland Bus" operation; notes that the vessels in the Liberation Convoy are the cargo ship D/S Hestmanden, known as the Norwegian War Sailor Museum, the M/K Erkna and M/B Arnefjord, which were used to transport soldiers, resistance fighters and fugitives to and from Norway and the M/K Heland and M/K Andholmen, two Norwegian fishing vessels, the latter of which is featured on the Shetland Bus Memorial in Scalloway; understands that events will take place in Shetland to mark the anniversary, including a procession through Lerwick by crews from the vessels, veterans and guests, a civic reception in Lerwick Town Hall, wreath-laying led by the Lord Lieutenant of Shetland and the Shetland Islands Council Convener, wreath-laying by Norway’s Ambassador to the UK, Tore Hattrem, at Norwegian war graves at Lerwick Cemetery, memorial services in Lerwick and at the Shetland Bus memorial in Scalloway, and a performance by musicians from the Norwegian Naval Band; believes that through these events it is important to reflect on the lessons of the past, celebrate peace and strengthen bonds between people from different places; recognises the continued ties and friendship between Norway and Shetland, and thanks all involved in the organisation of the Liberation Convoy and the VE Day 80th anniversary commemorations in Shetland.