UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has issued an apology for his decision to skip a major international D-Day ceremony to conduct a General Election TV interview. Sunak admitted that it was a mistake not to stay in France for the 80th anniversary event after attending the British ceremony in Normandy.
Sunak has faced significant criticism for missing the event, where he was expected to join fellow world leaders, including US President Joe Biden. Instead, Sunak returned to the UK for an ITV interview.
“I deeply care about veterans and was honored to represent the UK at events in Portsmouth and France over the past two days. Upon reflection, it was a mistake not to stay in France longer, and I apologize,” Sunak stated.
The Prime Minister attended the UK national event in Portsmouth on Wednesday and the British ceremony in Normandy on Thursday. However, he left France before the main international ceremony in the afternoon. Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron represented the UK at the event.
Sunak’s absence provided an opportunity for Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer to interact with world leaders. In his apology on Friday, Sunak emphasized the significance of the anniversary, stating, “The 80th anniversary of D-Day is a profound moment to honor the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives to protect our values, freedom, and democracy. This anniversary should be about them, not overshadowed by politics.”
Political rivals and some Tory members have condemned Sunak’s decision. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey criticized Sunak, saying, “He has brought shame to the office of Prime Minister and let down our country.” Labour’s shadow paymaster general Jonathan Ashworth also expressed disapproval, calling Sunak’s decision an “embarrassment and a total dereliction of duty.”
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