British PM Rishi Sunak Criticized for Skipping D-Day Commemoration to Appear on TV

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak apologized Friday for departing early from D-Day commemorations in Normandy, France, to appear on television for an interview.

This move sparked criticism at home and added to setbacks for his Conservative Party, which trails in opinion polls against Keir Starmer’s Labour Party.

Sunak acknowledged his mistake, stating, “On reflection, it was a mistake not to stay longer.

Britain’s Conservative MP Rishi Sunak walks next to his campaign headquarters in London, Britain, October 24, 2022. (REUTERS/Hannah McKay)

I’ve apologized for that, but I also don’t think it’s right to be political amid D-Day commemorations.” He emphasized that the focus should remain on honouring the veterans.

In contrast, Labour leader Keir Starmer remained in Normandy for the commemorative events, engaging with world leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Sunak, however, opted to leave early, delegating other duties to ministers like Foreign Secretary David Cameron.

The decision to depart early was reportedly made weeks before the general election was called, but Sunak’s campaign team did not adequately consider the optics of the UK leader leaving D-Day commemorations to engage in political activity.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty stand with D-Day veteran Alec Penstone, 98, following the UK national commemorative event for the 80th anniversary of D-Day, held at the British Normandy Memorial in Ver-sur-Mer, Normandy, France, June 6, 2024. (Gareth Fuller/Pool via REUTERS)

Critics seized on Sunak’s early departure, with some drawing parallels to the infamous “Gillian Duffy moment” from 2010 when then-Prime Minister Gordon Brown was caught on tape making disparaging remarks about a voter. Labour spokesperson Jonathan Ashworth labelled Sunak’s behaviour as “shocking disrespect.”

Nigel Farage, leader of the Reform UK party, condemned Sunak’s actions as “an insult” to America and questioned his patriotism. Farage highlighted Sunak’s absence from the D-Day events, contrasting it with his presence in Normandy.

Jason Coward, National Chair, Royal British Legion, and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak carry wreaths during the UK national commemorative event for the 80th anniversary of D-Day, held at the British Normandy Memorial in Ver-sur-Mer, Normandy, France, June 6, 2024. (Gareth Fuller/Pool via REUTERS)

The Conservative Party currently lags around 20 points behind Labour in opinion polls. Recent local elections indicate significant losses for the Conservatives and gains for Labour, particularly in areas that previously voted for Brexit.

In a recent ITV interview, Sunak warned of potential tax increases under a Labour government, a claim disputed by Labour leaders.