UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak apologized for leaving the D-Day anniversary commemorations in northern France early to conduct a television interview during Britain's general election campaign.

Opposition politicians criticized Sunak for missing the main ceremony at Omaha Beach, attended by France's President Emmanuel Macron and US President Joe Biden, and accused him of prioritizing his "vanity TV appearances" over honoring veterans.

Sunak attended a British government event before returning to the UK and missing the main international ceremony. He later acknowledged his mistake on social media, stating, "It was a mistake not to stay in France longer –- and I apologize."

Sunak emphasized that the anniversary should focus on those who sacrificed for the country and that he did not want the commemorations to be overshadowed by politics.

Labour's Jonathan Ashworth and Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey both condemned Sunak's actions, saying he brought "shame" to his office.

Sunak, who became Prime Minister in October 2022, is predicted by pollsters to lose the upcoming election on July 4, with Labour expected to return to power after 14 years in opposition.