Sunak’s early return from D-Day events ‘unforgivable’ – Sarwar

Scottish Conservative chairman Craig Hoy said Mr Sunak should have remained at the commemoration event rather then travelling to London for an ITV interview.

But he dismissed calls for the prime minister to resign.

He told BBC Scotland News: “I don’t think he needs to consider his position but I think he should read into the criticism, that people are obviously concerned about what he did.

“That’s why he apologised and I think he was right to apologise.”

The prime minister apologised on Friday but urged people not to politicise the event.

Mr Sunak said he cared deeply about veterans and was honoured to attend services in Portsmouth and France.

He added: “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.”

Scottish Lib Dem leader Alex Cole-Hamilton predicted the prime minister’s actions would have far-reaching consequences.

Writing on X, external he said: “During elections there are moments in time that don’t just punctuate the campaign, but can define or even end an entire career.

“Rishi Sunak’s abandonment of the D-Day commemorations and the veterans we honour on the beaches of Normandy feels like one such moment.”