Rishi Sunak Issues Apology for Missing D-Day Ceremony to Resume Election Campaign Trai
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak Regrets Early Departure from D-Day Celebrations for Election Campaign TV Appearance
London: British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak Apologizes for Early Departure from D-Day Commemorations in France to Attend Election Campaign TV Interview. Sunak admits the decision, criticized by many, was a mistake upon reflection.
Sunak was notably absent from leaders such as U.S. President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the significant memorial event at Omaha Beach in Normandy on Thursday. Instead, former Prime Minister David Cameron, now serving as foreign minister, represented the U.K.
Earlier in the day, Sunak participated in a ceremony at the British memorial in Normandy, joining King Charles III and surviving World War II veterans. Prior to that, he attended a commemoration in Portsmouth, England, the day before. Sunak expressed on X, formerly known as Twitter, that the 80th anniversary of the Allied invasion, which played a pivotal role in freeing Europe from the Nazis, should primarily honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. He emphasized his desire for the commemorations not to be overshadowed by political considerations.
He further remarked, "Upon reflection, it was a mistake not to extend my stay in France longer - and I apologize." The prime minister, currently campaigning to retain his position in Britain's July 4 election, conducted an interview with broadcaster ITV on Thursday upon his return from France. In a clip released by the broadcaster, Sunak refuted opposition allegations that he lied by providing inaccurate statements about the opposition Labour Party's tax plans.
Labour lawmaker Jonathan Ashworth criticized Sunak's decision to leave France early, labeling it as a display of poor judgment. Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey characterized it as a complete dereliction of duty. Craig Oliver, former communications director to Cameron's Conservative government, remarked, "The problem for Rishi Sunak this morning is that he's accused of not grasping the responsibilities of being a prime minister and what those duties entail."
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