5 months ago
25
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak speaks during a commemorative event marking the 80th anniversary Of D-Day in Southsea Common on June 5, 2024 in Portsmouth, England. (Agencies)
NEW DELHI:
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak
expressed
regret
on Friday for his premature exit from the
D-Day anniversary events
in France the previous day. His decision to return to the UK, where he is currently engaged in an
election campaign
, had drawn significant criticism.
In a post on X, Sunak, who is facing difficulties in garnering voter support ahead of the July 4 election, stated, "After the conclusion of the British event in
Normandy
, I returned back to the UK." He acknowledged that upon reflection, it was an error not to remain in France for a longer period, and offered his apologies.
"On reflection, it was a mistake not to stay in France longer – and I apologise," he added.
The 80th anniversary of the allied landings, a pivotal moment in World War Two, was commemorated in Normandy, northern France, with the presence of world leaders such as US President Joe Biden and Britain's King Charles.
Sunak delivered a speech at a British-led event but assigned other responsibilities to ministers, including foreign secretary David Cameron, who was photographed alongside Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at a subsequent memorial ceremony.
According to news reports, Sunak's early departure from the event was motivated by his intention to participate in a television interview with a British broadcaster. The Conservative Party, led by Sunak, is currently trailing the opposition Labour Party by approximately 20 points in opinion polls as the national election approaches.
