British and Irish prime ministers visit Belgian World War One sites

British prime minister David Cameron joined Irish Taoiseach Enda Kenny yesterday for a visit to First World War sites in West Flanders. The two leaders toured five memorials and cemeteries from the 1914-1918 conflict before attending a European Council summit in Brussels.

Britain and Ireland have had an uneasy relationship for many decades over the disputed status of Northern Ireland. The visit on Thursday was the first time that Irish and British leaders have jointly visited the war memorials at Mesen, where thousands of Irish soldiers died fighting in the British army.

In a symbolic act of reconciliation, the two leaders laid wreaths at the grave of Major Willie Redmond, an Irish nationalist who died in the attack on Mesen ridge in June 1917. In accordance with his last wishes, Redmond’s grave was located outside the walls of the British military cemetery in protest at the execution of the leaders of the 1916 Rising.

The leaders then visited the Menin Gate in Ypres, where a commemoration ceremony was held. They were joined by Belgian prime minister Elio Di Rupo, Flanders’ minister president Kris Peeters and Flemish tourism minister Geert Bourgeois.

“It is very important that the two countries have come together here in Ypres, the peace city of Flanders,” said Bourgeois. “This is important for remembering the war but even more so for the reconciliation process between the British and the Irish.”

Cameron left a message at the Menin Gate on Downing Street stationery that read: “In honour of all those who gave their lives in the cause of freedom.” Meanwhile, Kris Peeters tweeted: “We are at the Menin Gate to honour all the soldiers who struggled to restore peace.”

Cameron and Kenny then travelled to Brussels to attend the EU leaders’ summit. “The thought crossed my mind standing at the grave of Willie Redmond – that is why we have a European Union and why I’m attending a European Council,” said Kenny. 

photo caption:

David Cameron (centre) and Irish taoiseach Enda Kenny (right) visit Flanders’ war sites

credit:

Kurt Desplenter / BELGA