British PM apologises for leaving D-Day events early to campaign

LONDON British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak suffered a fresh setback in his struggling election campaign on June 7 when he apologised for leaving D-Day commemorations early in order to give an interview attacking the main opposition party.

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Mr Sunak's decision not to stay at the event in northern France alongside other world leaders on June 6 was met with dismay within his Conservative Party, which is facing the prospect of a huge defeat on July 4, according to opinion polls.

The leader of the opposition Labour Party, Mr Keir Starmer, remained in Normandy for the duration of the D-Day 80th anniversary events and was seen talking to leaders including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

"On reflection, it was a mistake not to stay longer, and I have apologised for that, but I also don't think it is right to be political in the midst of D-Day commemorations" Mr Sunak told reporters. "The focus should rightly be on the veterans." Mr Sunak said his travel plans had been set long before the start of the national election campaign.