British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak found himself at the center of controversy on Friday after he cut short his participation in the 80th anniversary commemorations of D-Day in Normandy. Sunak, already struggling with low popularity, left the events early to return to the campaign trail for a television interview.
Sunak later issued an apology, calling his early departure a "mistake," but not before facing criticism from both allies and opponents. His decision to leave the D-Day memorials, where he joined King Charles III and French President Emmanuel Macron, was widely condemned.
Campaign Priorities
Sunak's early exit comes at a crucial time for his political career. With the Conservatives trailing the Labour Party by over 20 points in polls ahead of the July 4 national election, Sunak is fighting to regain ground. The prime minister's decision to call a surprise early vote meant the D-Day commemorations coincided with the heart of the campaign season.
While Sunak attended the British-led memorial in France on Thursday morning, he was notably absent when world leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden, posed for an official photo. Britain's Foreign Minister David Cameron stood in his place.
Criticism from All Sides
Labour leader Keir Starmer, who attended the events and was seen speaking with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, criticized Sunak's actions. “For me, there was nowhere else I was going to be,” Starmer said, emphasizing the importance of honoring veterans.
Sunak's own party members also voiced their disapproval. Veterans Minister Johnny Mercer, a former soldier, labeled the move a “significant mistake,” while Craig Oliver, a former communications director for David Cameron, described it as a “huge error of judgment.” Sunak’s decision to prioritize a media interview over the D-Day ceremonies was seen as putting politics above a significant historical event.
Media and Public Reaction
The public and media reaction was swift and harsh. The Daily Mirror, a left-leaning tabloid, ran the headline “PM DITCHES D-DAY” on its front page. Nigel Farage, leader of the Reform UK party, accused Sunak of abandoning the veterans and displaying a “total dereliction of duty.”
Guto Harri, an advisor to former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, criticized Sunak's team for not anticipating the backlash. “He’s been involved in events all day and probably thought nobody would care about the closing ceremonies,” Harri told NBC News, emphasizing that certain events should take precedence over media obligations.
Political Implications
Sunak’s campaign has faced several hurdles, including a rain-soaked election announcement and a news briefing at the Belfast shipyard where the Titanic was built, leading to unfavorable comparisons and jokes. Despite rolling out several headline-grabbing policies, including mandatory national service for young people, the impact of Thursday’s decision may overshadow his efforts.
As the election approaches, Sunak’s decision to leave the D-Day memorial early could linger in the public memory, potentially affecting his already precarious standing in the polls and casting a long shadow over his campaign.
