Rishi Sunak issues grovelling apology after jetting home from D-Day events early for TV interview
RISHI Sunak issued a grovelling apology after jetting home early from a D-Day commemoration event for an interview on ITV.
The PM admitted it was a "mistake" to leave before the event on Omaha Beach after speaking veterans in Normandy yesterday morning.
Mr Sunak had taken part in a separate ceremony to mark the British contribution.
In a statement on X, formerly Twitter, he said: "The 80th anniversary of D-Day has been a profound moment to honour the brave men and women who put their lives on the line to protect our values, our freedom and our democracy.
"This anniversary should be about those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
"The last thing I want is for the commemorations to be overshadowed by politics.
Read more News
"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."
The PM gave wannabe Sir Keir Starmer a chance to mingle with more than 25 heads of state instead.
These included France's Emmanuel Macron and US President Joe Biden, while the Prince of Wales, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps and Foreign Secretary David Cameron represented the UK.
Reform Leader Nigel Farage blasted the PM for the snub, writing on X: "The Prime Minister has ducked out of the international D-Day event to fly back to the UK to campaign.
"I am here in Normandy in a personal capacity because I think it matters. Does he?"
A Tory source played down the diplomatic impact of the PM's absence, pointing out he will see Mr Macron, Mr Biden and other key leaders at the G7 summit in Italy next week.
Watch our daily politics show
Watch The Sun's new DAILY Never Mind the Ballots Election Countdown show on our brand new YouTube channel here.
Every weekday Sun Political Editor Harry Cole brings you the latest news and analysis from the election campaign trail.
Speaking at the British Normandy Memorial ceremony on Thursday, Mr Sunak told D-Day veterans "we owe you everything".
He added: "We cannot possibly hope to repay that debt but we can and we must pledge never to forget."
Meanwhile, Labour leader Sir Keir said ahead of the service: "It is a privilege to stand with surviving D-Day veterans in Normandy today as we mark this historic anniversary.
"We will commemorate their courage, we will honour their fallen comrades and we will ensure that their story is never forgotten."