REDDITCH’S Conservative Prospective Parliamentary Candidate Rachel Maclean hs said she cannot defend Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s actions over his decision to leave the D-Day commemorations in Normandy early.
She said – even though he has apologised – he was wrong and she understood while people are angry.
Mr Sunak has been widely slammed for returning to the UK to conduct a TV interview while other leaders, including US President Joe Biden and French president Emmanuel Macron continued the commemorations.
On X, Mrs Maclean, who herself was meeting veterans in Redditch, posted a picture about how she spent the day.
She said: “What an honour it was to spend time with veterans at the D-Day anniversary service in Redditch today.
“We are forever indebted to them. We would not have the freedoms we enjoy today if it had not been for their bravery and the sacrifices of our fallen heroes.”
Several people replied about Mr Sunak’s actions and asking what her views were on the subject.
One – Jerry Lee wrote: “Shame your boss didn’t feel the same.”
When asked the question by the Standard, Mrs Maclean said: ““The 80th anniversary of D-Day was a moment for us all to come together to remember the sacrifice of the brave soldiers who did not make it home and to honour the service of those who did.
“To pay my respects, I attended the poignant commemorations organised by the Redditch Royal British Legion at the Plymouth Road War Memorial and at the War Memorial in the town centre, as well as the lighting of the beacon at St Mary the Virgin Church in Hanbury.
“It was an honour to spend time with our veterans. We are forever indebted to them. We would not have the freedoms we enjoy today if it had not been for their bravery and the sacrifices of our fallen heroes.
“The Prime Minister was wrong to leave the commemorations in Normandy early. I understand why people are angry about it and he let us all down.
“Although he has apologised, I cannot defend his actions.”
Sunak’s statement in full
“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.”
