POLL: Do you think Rishi Sunak should have left D-Day events early? Have your say
Rishi Sunak speaks at the UK's national commemorative event for the 80th anniversary of D-Day
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Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has apologised for leaving the D-Day commemorations in France early yesterday, after he returned to London for an election interview.
World leaders and World War II veterans gathered to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings in 1944.
But Sunak travelled back to the UK after attending a British event, leaving Foreign Secretary David Cameron to stand in his place for other commemorations.
The Prime Minister apologised today for leaving the event early, saying he hoped the “ultimate sacrifice” made by those who fought in the war would not be “overshadowed by politics.”
Posting on X, Sunak said: “I care deeply about veterans and have been honoured to represent the UK at a number of events in Portsmouth and France over the past two days and to meet those who fought so bravely.
“After the conclusion of the British event in Normandy, I returned back to the UK. On reflection, it was a mistake not to stay in France longer – and I apologise.”
In contrast, Labour leader Keir Starmer stayed until the end of the event and suggested that Sunak had returned to the UK to record an interview with ITV.
Speaking about the Prime Minister’s departure, Starmer said: “Rishi Sunak will have to answer for his own actions. For me, there was nowhere else I was going to be.”
Rishi Sunak pictured above with National Chair, Royal British Legion, Jason Coward apologised today for leaving the event
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During a campaign visit to Wiltshire today, Sunak denied claims that he had considered not attending the D-Day events entirely on Thursday.
Sunak argued: “That is simply not right. The itinerary for these events was set weeks ago before the general election campaign. Of course I was always going to participate, both in Portsmouth and in France.”
Policing minister Chris Philip praised Sunak over his swift apology telling BBC Radio 4’s World At One: “He’s acknowledged this morning that was a mistake, he shouldn't have gone and he’s apologised.
“It’s quite rare in politics actually to get sort of an immediate and fulsome apology from a politician. I can’t think of that many occasions when it’s happened before, certainly not so quickly.”
With that in mind, do you think Rishi Sunak should have left D-Day events early? Vote above now.