Rishi Sunak apologises for leaving D-day events early to

Amid heavy criticism, the PM denies he had planned to skip commemorations entirely

UK general election live – latest updates

Rishi Sunak has apologised for missing a key part of the D-day commemorations in northern France to film a TV interview, as he faces a wave of condemnation over what may be his biggest misstep yet in a faltering election campaign.

The prime minister was heavily criticised for leaving the 80th anniversary events for an ITV interview that is not scheduled for broadcast until next week, with opposition parties calling it crass and a dereliction of duty.