Rivals take advantage of PM's Disaster Day

7 June 2024, 14:19

Rishi Sunak left D-Day anniversary activities early.
Rishi Sunak left D-Day anniversary activities early. Picture: Getty

By James Spry

Riahi Sunak's self-admitted 'significant mistake' is a gift to the other parties looking for voters' attention.

Keir Starmer attends the UK Ministry of Defence and the Royal British Legion’s commemorative event at the British Normandy Memorial to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day
Keir Starmer attends the UK Ministry of Defence and the Royal British Legion’s commemorative event at the British Normandy Memorial to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Picture: Getty

Here's how the parties have responded:

Labour leader Keir Starmer told reporters he "was surprised" by Rishi Sunak's decision to leave early and there was "nowhere" else he was going to be.

Shadow Housing Minister Matthew Pennycock told LBC's Nick Ferrari it "was an embarrassing and shameful dereliction of duty."

Read more:'Don't politicise this': Rishi Sunak apologises for making a 'mistake' following D-Day veteran snub

Read more:Nick Ferrari offers £500 reward for return of RAF veteran's medals lost yesterday in Ranville, France

The Liberal Democrats also attacked Mr Sunak for his D-Day veterans snub

Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey said Mr Sunak’s actions had brought “shame” to the office of Prime Minister “and let down our country."

The SNP First Minister called it a 'foolish decision."

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage also panned the Prime Minister's actions.

In a video on X, he said it was an 'insult to America' for the Prime Minister to miss out on commemorating those who landed on Omaha Beach.

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Alba Party leader Alex Salmond has also responded:

Rishi Sunak has since apologised but has also insisted he “stuck to the itinerary” that had been laid out for him for D-Day.

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