Prime Minister apologises for early D-Day departure during visit to Gloucestershire
The Prime Minister has been at a new academy in Stonehouse this afternoon.
Rishi Sunak visited Great Oldbury Academy in Stonehouse this afternoon. Following criticism about his choice to leave the D-Day commemorations in Normandy early yesterday, the Prime Minister, attempt to move the attention to his new child benefit policy.
However, D-Day continued to be the focus of the conversation today. When asked about his premature department on his visit to Gloucestershire, Mr Sunak said: "On reflection it was a mistake not to stay longer for the international leaders event in France and for that I am very sorry."
During the visit to Stonehouse, his National Service policies were questioned, as a result of his early D-Day departure. To which the PM responded: "I think when it comes to National Service this will be transformational for our country because it will give young people the skills and opportunities they need in life.
"I've always proudly supported veterans, from the first day in this job I said I wanted this to be the best country in the whole world to be a veteran."
The Prime Minister was also asked about his plans to improve teacher employment and retention. As figures out today show teacher vacancies have jumped by a fifth to 2,800, and more than doubled from 1,100 over the last three years.
Rishi Sunak, said: "One thing we've put in place is a bursary for teachers in stem subjects, which is worth up to £30,000 over the first five years of their new teachers career. To attract teachers to do those particular subjects."
Meanwhile Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, was campaigning in London today with Deputy Leader, Angela Rayner. He was amongst many who criticised the PM's actions on D-Day and said: "for me, there was nowhere else I was going to be."
The Greens are knocking on doors today, while the big names in both the Lib Dems and Reform UK are taking a break from the campaign trail.
This evening, seven parties are taking part in a TV debate - including the Conservatives, Labour, SNP, Lib Dems, Plaid Cymru, Reform UK and the Green Party.