Pubs will be able to stay open until 1am on the 80th anniversary of VE Day so drinkers can “raise a toast to veterans”.

Venues that usually close at 11pm will get special permission to stay open for an extra two hours under government plans to commemorate the end of the Second World War.

Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, said the change on May 8 would allow people across the country to join in the celebrations and “raise a glass” to all those who fought for their freedom.

It is the latest example of pub licensing hours being relaxed to mark occasions of “exceptional national significance”, with royal celebrations and the Euro 2024 final also warranting a late finish.

Sir Keir said: “As we mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, the whole country should come together to remember the incredible sacrifices made by the wartime generation and to celebrate the peace and freedom they secured for us all.