Rishi Sunak said it was a “mistake” to return early from D-Day celebrations in Normandy.
The prime minister was heavily criticized for not being present in the final moments of the D-Day 80th anniversary ceremony on Thursday, when he was traveling back from France to the United Kingdom to record a television interview.
On Friday morning, he apologized and said he cares “deeply about veterans,” but the accident left him vulnerable to attacks from other political parties as the election campaign enters its third week.
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“The 80th anniversary of D-Day was a profound moment to honor the brave men and women who risked their lives to protect our values, our freedom and our democracy,” he wrote on social media.
“This anniversary should be about those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. The last thing I want is for the celebrations to be overshadowed by politics.
“I care deeply about veterans and have been honored to represent the UK at a series of events in Portsmouth and France over the last two days and to meet those who fought so bravely.
“Following the conclusion of the British event in Normandy, I returned to the UK. In hindsight, it was a mistake not to stay longer in France – and I apologise.”
Rishi Sunak praises D-Day veterans
Other political parties seized on the “error” to attack Sunak, saying it was “a dereliction of duty”.
Sir Ed Davey, the Liberal Democrat leader, posted on Normandy beaches.
“It’s a complete dereliction of duty and shows why this Conservative government simply has to go.”
Labour’s Shadow Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook told Sky News he was “glad” Sunak had apologised, and said it was worse because the reason he missed the event was to record an interview in which he said the Party Labor would introduce £2,000 in tax rises – which Labor has called a lie.
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Lord Cameron (L) stood in for Sunak for a photo with the French, German and American leaders. Photo: Reuters
Pennycook added: “I think it’s embarrassing. I think it’s a shameful dereliction of duty. He’s right to apologize, but the British public should seriously ask themselves questions about a man who decides to make that decision in the first place.”
SNP minister Neil Gray also called it a “dereliction of duty” and told Sky News the Prime Minister had “misserved” the memory of his grandfather, who served on D-Day.
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“I think it’s completely terrible and disgusting,” Gray said.
“I think the offense that will be caused to the veteran community will be great.
“For the Prime Minister to think that a television interview was more important than completing these celebrations is an appalling lack of judgement.”
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