Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has issued an apology after facing backlash for leaving the D-Day commemorations in France early. The event was held to honor the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings, and Mr. Sunak’s departure has been criticized as a dereliction of duty.
While world leaders, including US President Joe Biden, gathered to pay their respects, Mr. Sunak left the event early and returned to the UK, leaving Foreign Secretary David Cameron to deputize for him. In a statement to reporters, the prime minister admitted that leaving early was a mistake and apologized for his decision.
Mr. Sunak explained that his itinerary for the D-Day events had been planned weeks in advance, and he had attended other events with British veterans, including in Portsmouth. However, he acknowledged that leaving before the international leaders’ event was a mistake.
The decision to leave early has sparked criticism from various quarters, with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer staying until the end of the event and expressing his respect for the veterans. Foreign Secretary David Cameron defended Mr. Sunak, stating that the prime minister had been “frank” about his decision to leave early.
Veterans Minister Johnny Mercer also weighed in, stating that while Mr. Sunak’s departure was a mistake, he would continue to support the prime minister. However, not all reactions were as forgiving, with some veterans and members of the public expressing disappointment and anger over the prime minister’s early departure.
The issue is expected to be a topic of discussion in tonight’s BBC general election debate, where representatives from various parties will have the opportunity to address the controversy. The BBC has reached out to the Conservative Party for comment on the matter.
