Rishi Sunak tries to defend himself after massive D-Day blunder: 'Simply not right!'

Rishi Sunak has said it is simply not right to suggest he considered missing D-Day commemoration events altogether during the General Election campaign, and reiterated that he had made a mistake by leaving Normandy early.

The Prime Minister has apologised and said that “on reflection” he should have stayed in Normandy for a major international ceremony attended by world leaders.

Instead, Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron represented the UK Government, while Mr Sunak’s rival for the keys to No 10, Sir Keir Starmer, was also there rubbing shoulders with world leaders.

Veterans’ minister Johnny Mercer said he understood the “outrage” at the Prime Minister’s actions.

“I get the outrage. It’s a mistake. It’s a significant mistake for which he’s apologised,” Mr Mercer told the Sun.

He suggested that Mr Sunak’s team should take a share of the blame for their advice to him.

“Obviously it’s a mistake. The PM on these visits receives a lot of advice on what he should and shouldn’t be doing,” he said.

Sir Keir said Mr Sunak “will have to answer for his own actions” in leaving Normandy ahead of the international D-Day event but “for me there was nowhere else I was going to be”.

The Prime Minister left Normandy to record an ITV General Election interview which will air next week.

The broadcaster said the timing of the interview was suggested by the Conservative Party.

“After the conclusion of the British event in Normandy, I returned back to the UK,” Mr Sunak said.

“On reflection, it was a mistake not to stay in France longer – and I apologise.”

Reform’s leader Nigel Farage said: “I was honoured to help raise £100,000 for the Taxi Charity to send veterans back to Normandy. It was a pleasure to meet them at the various events.

“Rishi Sunak could not even be bothered to attend the international event above Omaha Beach. Who really believes in our people, him or me?”