British Conservative Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has issued an apology after widespread backlash for leaving D-Day commemorations in Normandy, France early to do a TV interview. The move has drawn criticism from veterans and political opponents alike.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has apologized for leaving D-Day commemorations in Normandy, France early to do a TV interview, sparking widespread backlash.
Sunak, a Conservative, cut short his attendance at the event on Monday to return to London for an interview with the BBC, a move that has been widely criticized by veterans and political opponents.
British PM Sunak Apologizes for Skipping D-Day Ceremony for TV Interview
In a statement, Sunak said he was "deeply sorry" for leaving the ceremony early and that he "should have stayed longer."
"I understand the importance of this occasion and the sacrifices that were made by so many," he said. "I am truly sorry for any offense that I have caused."
British PM Sunak Apologizes for Skipping D-Day Ceremony for TV Interview
The apology came after a number of veterans expressed their anger and disappointment at Sunak's actions.
"It was a slap in the face to all those who fought and died on D-Day," said Harry Billinge, a 96-year-old veteran who attended the ceremony. "He should have stayed and paid his respects."
Sunak's decision to leave the ceremony early has also been criticized by political opponents.
"This is a prime minister who is out of touch with the values of our country," said Labour leader Keir Starmer. "He should have stayed to honor the memory of those who fought and died for our freedom."
The D-Day landings, which took place on June 6, 1944, were a turning point in World War II. The Allied forces, including British, American, Canadian, and French troops, stormed the beaches of Normandy, France, in an effort to liberate Europe from Nazi Germany.
The landings were a success, but they came at a heavy cost. More than 9,000 Allied soldiers were killed or wounded in the operation.
The D-Day landings are remembered as one of the most important events in British history, and they are commemorated every year with ceremonies in Normandy and across the UK.
Sunak's decision to leave the ceremony early has overshadowed the commemorations this year and has damaged his reputation.
The apology is unlikely to fully appease critics, who say that Sunak's actions showed a lack of respect for veterans and the sacrifices that they made.
