Rishi Sunak says sorry for skipping D-Day event with other world leaders after it emerges PM travelled back from Normandy to film election TV interview

Rishi Sunak this morning apologised for leaving D-Day events early to take part in a TV interview.

The Prime Minister has faced fury after it emerged he travelled back from Normandy to continue his general election campaign in front of ITV cameras.

He had appeared in Normandy earlier on Thursday to pay tribute to veterans.

But Mr Sunak returned to Britain before the ceremony to mark the 80th anniversary of the Allied invasion of France was over.

This saw Foreign Secretary David Cameron pictured alongside US President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

In a social media post this morning, Mr Sunak admitted 'it was a mistake not to stay in France longer - and I apologise'.

He wrote: 'The 80th anniversary of D-Day has been a profound moment to honour the brave men and women who put their lives on the line to protect our values, our freedom and our democracy.

'This anniversary should be about those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

'The last thing I want is for the commemorations to be overshadowed by politics. I care deeply about veterans and have been honoured to represent the UK at a number of events in Portsmouth and France over the past two days and to meet those who fought so bravely. 

'After the conclusion of the British event in Normandy, I returned back to the UK. On reflection, it was a mistake not to stay in France longer – and I apologise.'