Rishi Sunak apologises for ditching D-Day event early for TV interview

The Prime Minister has issued an apology after he left D-Day commemorations in France early so he could attend a TV interview.

Labour accused Rishi Sunak of a "dereliction of duty" after missing the international ceremony to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Earlier that day, he had appeared in Normandy to pay tribute to veterans but returned to the UK before the ceremony was over to sit down with ITV. His rival Sir Keir Starmer meanwhile stayed with other world leaders and figures, including Joe Biden and the Prince of Wales.

Writing on X, formerly Twitter, Mr Sunak admitted he made a mistake. 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.

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“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.”

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said Rishi Sunak had “brought shame” to the office of Prime Minister by leaving Normandy early.

He added: “One of the greatest privileges of the office of Prime Minister is to be there to honour those who served, yet Rishi Sunak abandoned them on the beaches of Normandy.

“He has brought shame to that office