Sunak's D-Day blunder results in a disaster.
"A 98-year-old D-Day veteran expressed his disapproval of the British Prime Minister's decision to leave the country during the Normandy celebrations for a campaign trip in England," says a news channel. The Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, is facing intense backlash for his absence at the main event, which is fueling criticism and mockery at home.
As Sunak's Conservatives lag behind the Labour Party in the polls, his lackluster campaign has become a topic of discussion. This latest setback could further harm the Conservatives' chances in the upcoming parliamentary election scheduled for July 4th.
Sunak left France after participating in a ceremony for British soldiers in Normandy alongside French President Emmanuel Macron and the British royal family. Instead of attending the international commemoration with Biden, Scholz, and other guests, he had his Foreign Minister, David Cameron, stand in for him. While he was away, he granted an interview to a television station.
Social media slams Sunak's absence
The Prime Minister's apology did little to pacify the critics. "He leaves the country behind," said Ken Hay, a 98-year-old D-Day veteran, speaking to Sky News. Even close allies like Veterans Minister Johnny Mercer found it hard to defend the decision. "I understand the anger. It's a mistake. A big mistake, for which he has apologized," Mercer stated, but he couldn't dismiss it entirely.
Social media was abuzz with ridicule as hashtags like #SunakLeaves and #SunakNapoleon trended. One notable image was a photo montage of Sunak in front of a war memorial with a suitcase.
Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage, who announced his candidacy recently, also chimed in. "This is an insult to the USA, which lost so many soldiers during the Normandy landing on June 6, 1944," he said, further provoking discontent among conservatives.
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In the midst of the criticism, Rishi Sunak's party, the Conservatives, is struggling in polls, with the Labour Party gaining ground. This situation could negatively impact the Conservatives' performance in the forthcoming British House of Commons election on July 4th.
During the heightened controversy, Twitter was filled with derisive hashtags like #SunakLeaves and #SunakNapoleon, mocking Rishi Sunak's decision to leave for a campaign trip during the D-Day commemorations.
