Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s early departure from the D-Day commemorations has been criticised by Conservative MP Penny Mordaunt. Speaking during the BBC’s seven-way TV election debate, Mordaunt stated that Johnson’s decision was “completely wrong”. She did, however, praise Rishi Sunak for apologising to veterans and the public, urging that the matter should not be politicised. Sunak, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, received widespread criticism for leaving a commemorative event in France early and failing to deputise for the Prime Minister.
Mordaunt maintained that Johnson’s decision was a mistake, but underlined that it had been rightly acknowledged by the Prime Minister, who “apologised to veterans but also to all of us because he was representing all of us”. A former defence secretary, Mordaunt highlighted the importance of honouring the legacy of veterans by allocating the “right amount” to defence spending. She noted, however, that the furore around Johnson’s early departure should not overshadow the contribution of the brave individuals who sacrificed their lives in service of their country.
For his part, the Prime Minister took to Twitter to express his regret and emphasise the significance of commemorating those who lost their lives during World War II. He stated his hope that the sacrifice of veterans would not be “overshadowed by politics”. While Conservative MPs have publicly defended the Prime Minister’s decision to leave the D-Day commemorations early, criticism from political opponents continues to linger in the build-up to the general election.
The controversy over Johnson’s failure to remain at the event in France has refocused attention on the military and defence spending, areas that are set to feature prominently in the election. The remarks of Mordaunt, a highly regarded former defence secretary, will undoubtedly resonate with many voters who are looking for reassurance that their political leaders are committed to safeguarding national security
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