Gobsmacked Tories Dismayed Over Rishi Sunak Leaving D-Day Celebrations Early

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak faces furious criticism from Conservative Party figures and general election candidates after he left D-Day commemorations on Thursday early to take part in a TV interview in the UK.

One veteran Tory said the decision was "jaw-dropping" and made it look like Sunak and his team were deliberately trying to lose the general election on 4 July.

Sunak apologised on social media this morning and said it was a "mistake" not to stay in France for longer. He was replaced by David Cameron, the Foreign Secretary, to represent the United Kingdom at the commemorations in Normandy. The event was also attended by King Charles and Queen Camilla, Labour leader Keir Starmer, and world leaders including US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron.

"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," Sunak posted on X, the website formerly known as Twitter.

"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. 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."

It had been reported that Sunak's team had considered missing the D-Day commemorations which hosted world leaders. But the Prime Minister denied this and said the claim was "simply not right" as the itinerary was