British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak apologised on Friday for cutting short D-Day commemorations in France to return to campaigning – a decision his political rivals described as disgraceful.

Mr Sunak, who is fighting to keep his job in Britain’s July 4 election, said the decision had been a mistake “on reflection”.

Mr Sunak was not present at the main memorial ceremony held at Omaha Beach in Normandy on Thursday alongside leaders such as US President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky. Former Prime Minister David Cameron, now Foreign Minister, represented Britain

Labour Party leader Keir Starmer, currently the favourite to win the election, attended the ceremony and was photographed meeting Mr Zelensky and other leaders.

Earlier in the day, Mr Sunak attended a ceremony with King Charles III and surviving World War II veterans at the British memorial in Normandy. He also attended a commemoration in Portsmouth, England, a day earlier.

Mr Sunak wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that the 80th anniversary of the Allied invasion that helped liberate Europe from the Nazis “should be about those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. The last thing I want is for the commemoration to be overshadowed by politics.”

He added: “On reflection, I felt it was a mistake not to stay in France longer – and for that I apologise.”

The Prime Minister recorded an interview with broadcaster ITV on Thursday after returning from France. In a clip released by the broadcaster, Mr Sunak appeared to deny opposition allegations that he had lied by making false statements about the opposition Labour Party’s tax plans.

Mr Starmer said Rishi Sunak “will have to answer for his decision to return to campaigning”.

“There was only one option for me … I had no other choice,” Mr Starmer told broadcasters.

Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey said it was a “complete dereliction of duty”.

Nigel Farage, leader of the populist Reform UK party, said “patriotic people who love their country” should not vote for Sunak. Mr Farage is trying to attract Conservative voters with his populist, anti-immigration stance. He is sure to raise the D-Day episode in a seven-party televised debate later on Friday. All the main parties will be represented, although Mr Sunak and Mr Starmer are not certain to take part.

Craig Oliver, who was communications director in Cameron’s Conservative government, said: “The problem for Rishi Sunak this morning is that he is being accused of not understanding what it means to be prime minister and what his duties are as prime minister.”

Voting for all 650 seats in the House of Commons will take place on July 4. The leader of the party that gets a majority either alone or in a coalition will become the Prime Minister.