The Tories have about 18 hours to do a deal with RefUK, whereby they offer to stand down in about 100 seats where Reform are strongest in return for the party standing down in favour of the Tories in the other constituencies.
Leading to a post-election merger, and Farage as LOTO?
While I can understand some voters being up for that, is it what grassroots Conservative members really want?
A number of surveys say that Farage would be their preferred leader.
The Tories have about 18 hours to do a deal with RefUK, whereby they offer to stand down in about 100 seats where Reform are strongest in return for the party standing down in favour of the Tories in the other constituencies.
Leading to a post-election merger, and Farage as LOTO?
While I can understand some voters being up for that, is it what grassroots Conservative members really want?
Can you imagine the councillors, members etc? Humiliation and betrayal to save a few greasy troughers. Carnage
The Tories have about 18 hours to do a deal with RefUK, whereby they offer to stand down in about 100 seats where Reform are strongest in return for the party standing down in favour of the Tories in the other constituencies.
Leading to a post-election merger, and Farage as LOTO?
While I can understand some voters being up for that, is it what grassroots Conservative members really want?
I think it would lead to the death of the Tories, whatever they do now.
No true conservative would have anything to do with Russia Today´s Nigel Farage in any event.
It’s v plez. I’m going to SPUNK my one photo on my dinner. As it were. A fantastic grilled dorade with lovely white wine on the Black Sea. I can see towers missiled by Putin from where I type this. Blackened hulks. And yet the douceur du vivre abides. God bless the Ukes. Slava Ukraini!!!!
Any news on the frontline venture?
I have several choices
1. Go to actual frontline at Kherson complete with flak jacket and hear actual missiles landing
But then I’ve heard bits of missiles landing ON MY ROAD sufficient to cause minor detonations so… what’s the point? The war is here. It is in Odessa, and it really is. This is an air/drone war as much as anything else and I can see it right here, from my nice seafood restaurants
2. Stay here. Nice seafood restaurants! Fascinating and dreamy Odessa. The lack of power and often internet is a bitch but you get used to it, maybe, somehow. Disadvantage, I have to go home via Chisinau and I am done with that bus journey and Chisinau is boring
3. Go insane and go to Kharkiv and face even more missiles but without the seafood restaurants and less power
4. (My fave at the mo). couple more days in Odessa eating fish and dodging drones and then do Kyiv. Never been. Am fascinated. What is the great city of Kyiv like right now? Another plus: I can avoid Chisinau and go home via beautiful Lviv then Cracow
Out of interest, is the border open for (insane) tourists or did you need the media credentials?
The border is open, and you don’t have to be (that) insane. I went last year, albeit with Ukranian Mrs Sandpit. Accept that you don’t have travel insurance though, but Lviv and Kiev are wonderful cities to visit.
Seems harsh - obviously they’d need to carve out “war risk” but the rest should be insurable.
I am simply astonished at the idiotic action of Sunak today.
What was he thinking - no correct that, he wasn't and who on earth is advising him?
Rishi Sunak has been told that he has “misjudged the mood of the nation” by deciding to return early from the D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations to campaign in the general election.
And he has been warned that he appears to have already handed the mantle of prime minister to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer who joined veterans this afternoon in Normandy.
The criticism from Gulf War veteran Colonel Stuart Crawford came after Mr Sunak decided not to attend the major gathering of world leaders with veterans at Omaha beach this afternoon.
A Conservative source confirmed that he had returned to campaign in the election instead.
In contrast, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who is the odds-on favourite to win the election and be prime minister on 5 July, was at the event, mingling with world leaders including President Joe Biden, President Emmanuel Macron and King Charles. Asked whether it was a mistake for the prime minister to miss the event, Col Crawford, who served for 20 years in the Royal Tank Regiment, said: “I think Mr Sunak misjudges the mood of the nation by doing so.
“It’s a solemn occasion and sadly the last major anniversary of the landings, which will feature many of the surviving veterans.
“Campaigning for an election which everyone knows he’s going to lose anyway is a poor excuse.
“He should be there with the others, and his absence and Starmer’s presence makes it look as if he’s passed the premiership to Sir Keir already.”
Foreign secretary Lord Cameron and defence secretary Grant Shapps represented the Tory government at the event.
There was criticism from other quarters too. Former first sea lord Admiral Lord West told The Independent: “Nothing politicians do nowadays surprises me!”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who is also with veterans in Normandy but is hoping to pick up Tory voters in the election, attacked the prime minister for his decision.
He posted on X (formerly Twitter): “The Prime Minister has ducked out of the international D-Day event to fly back to the UK to campaign.I am here in Normandy in a personal capacity because I think it matters. Does he?”
The prime minister had appeared with British veterans at a “heroes welcome” event this morning, gaving a short speech before returning home.
In missing the event at Omaha beach, where the Americans landed and some of the fiercest fighting took place 80 years ago today, Mr Sunak also lost the opportunity to join President Voldymyr Zelensky, who reminded leaders that they have another war on Europe’s front with Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
The Tories have about 18 hours to do a deal with RefUK, whereby they offer to stand down in about 100 seats where Reform are strongest in return for the party standing down in favour of the Tories in the other constituencies.
Leading to a post-election merger, and Farage as LOTO?
While I can understand some voters being up for that, is it what grassroots Conservative members really want?
I think it would lead to the death of the Tories, whatever they do now.
No true conservative would have anything to do with Russia Today´s Nigel Farage in any event.
Any One Nation survivors would immediately do a 'Change UK' Post election
right I have to walk to my hotel, can I just say that this trip has renewed my fervour for the Ukrainian cause
The slightly triumphant swagger of Lviv in 2023 has gone - we threw off Putin! We will hurl him into the Azov! Now it is much more gritty determination and sangfroid and fuck it, we endure. And, in its way, that is more admirable. That is true grace, courage under fire, endless endless fire
They have lost 100,000s of their finest young men - and still they fight. And fight. And fight. And they will not fucking lie down. I am humbled by them. They need everything we can give them
Well done, Leon. More joy in heaven, and all that.
I’ve never NOT wanted Ukraine to prevail. I despise Putin and would like him and his cronies pushed out of a window. I’ve just doubted Ukraine can win and I still seriously doubt they can win. I’m fairly sure they can’t, in fact - in terms of regaining all Ukraine including Crimea it seems unlikely
But what they can do - and, from being here, what I sense they might do - is prove such doughty and inconquerable opponents Putin will have to sue for a less than brilliant peace. Or lose another million men gaining 5 sq km
I dunno. Perhaps Putin will seize Kyiv tomorrow. But in terms of human mood - and that is all you sense when you go places - the Ukrainians don’t seem minded to admit defeat. They are grimly set on defending the rest of their country, and fuck the suffering endured thereby
Manpower is still their issue. They have no problem with courage. We must arm them to the teeth to make up for the lack of troops
Well, more joy in heaven at a repentant sinner, but yes.
On much more interesting news I’ve just discovered that “Rule Britannia” was a rebellious song written against George II by his opponents led by his son, the future George III.
Need to be really clear, because I can see the myth building already, that there is no evidence in the underlying data of these polls that Labour votes are going to Reform.
Nor of fewer Tory/Labour switchers.
Small Labour drops in 3 of 5 polls are driven by others things.
I think it's plausible enough that Farage is attracting some votes that would have gone to Labour otherwise.
But in Starmer's position, given that the Tory strategy was 100% focussed on trying to regain votes from Reform, I think I would be very happy to sacrifice a few percentage points and have a 20-point lead over both the Tories and ReformUK evenly divided.
It’s a problem of definitions. The Tories had already leaked many (most?) 2019 voters to Labour, Reform, and DK. So votes Farage gets from Labour or DK are “Tory voters” in the sense they voted Tory last time. But they aren’t really, not any more.
The Tories have about 18 hours to do a deal with RefUK, whereby they offer to stand down in about 100 seats where Reform are strongest in return for the party standing down in favour of the Tories in the other constituencies.
Note that Labour Party refused to cut such a deal with Liberals - either Coalitionist or Wee Frees - in GEs 1922 & 1923. Breaking the back (or some other body parts) of the Libs and consigning them to the outer darkness.
Not sure IF this is relevant a century later . . . also somehow doubt it's totally irrelevant . . .
The Tories have about 18 hours to do a deal with RefUK, whereby they offer to stand down in about 100 seats where Reform are strongest in return for the party standing down in favour of the Tories in the other constituencies.
Note that Labour Party refused to cut such a deal with Liberals - either Coalitionist or Wee Frees - in GEs 1922 & 1923. Breaking the back (or some other body parts) of the Libs and consigning them to the outer darkness.
Not sure IF this is relevant a century later . . . also somehow doubt it's totally irrelevant . . .
The Tories have about 18 hours to do a deal with RefUK, whereby they offer to stand down in about 100 seats where Reform are strongest in return for the party standing down in favour of the Tories in the other constituencies.
And campaign as the Tory-RefUK Alliance?
I think Tories have to accept this is a no-win situation for them.
Any deal ends them. Utterly.
Yup. Why drink Rola Cola when you can have proper coke? Align with Reform and you lose all remaining voters to Reform, or to someone who won’t align with them.
F/w 5th - 6th June. Changes vs. 27th May 2024. 1,056 adults in Great Britain.
Plus 7 but only -1 Tories.......... 2019 Con Lab switchers going reform??
Yes, it's a mistake to think that Tory and Reform voters are fungible. In very special circumstances in 2019 Boris managed to attract both tribes, but in my view most Reform voters are normally Tory-sceptic if not outright Tory-hostile.
I view them as our equivalent (although thankfully a pale imitation both in nature and number) of the Trump MAGA base in the US.
Which of course is made up of a significant proportion of traditional democrat voters.
The shift is less right / left, more the winners vs losers of globalisation. The losers have tried all the traditional parties / politicians, are pissed off and willing to kick over the apple cart. That's Trump, that's Brexit, maybe now Farage.
And traditional non voters. The common thread isn't left right as you say. IMO it's shallowness, stupidity, ignorance and gullibility. They have these traits to a relatively high degree. But the political leaders exploiting them, the likes of Trump and Farage, are (usually) creatures of the right. Not always though. Eg you get your Galloway and Melenchon types trying to make waves in that space too. Overripe old men of the trad left who mix backward statist economics with backward social attitudes. Either way, it's sad.
Your second sentence - those characteristics aren't exactly absent from traditional parties' voters. As with Corbyn's voters - these people aren't voting Farage because they are wrong or misguided, they're doing so because the current settlement very much doesn't work for them.
Yes, very true, that's why I was careful to say 'relatively'. But your 2nd bit is too kind. Voting for these exploitative xenophobic populists is most certainly wrong and misguided.
I am simply astonished at the idiotic action of Sunak today.
What was he thinking - no correct that, he wasn't and who on earth is advising him?
Rishi Sunak has been told that he has “misjudged the mood of the nation” by deciding to return early from the D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations to campaign in the general election.
And he has been warned that he appears to have already handed the mantle of prime minister to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer who joined veterans this afternoon in Normandy.
The criticism from Gulf War veteran Colonel Stuart Crawford came after Mr Sunak decided not to attend the major gathering of world leaders with veterans at Omaha beach this afternoon.
A Conservative source confirmed that he had returned to campaign in the election instead.
In contrast, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who is the odds-on favourite to win the election and be prime minister on 5 July, was at the event, mingling with world leaders including President Joe Biden, President Emmanuel Macron and King Charles. Asked whether it was a mistake for the prime minister to miss the event, Col Crawford, who served for 20 years in the Royal Tank Regiment, said: “I think Mr Sunak misjudges the mood of the nation by doing so.
“It’s a solemn occasion and sadly the last major anniversary of the landings, which will feature many of the surviving veterans.
“Campaigning for an election which everyone knows he’s going to lose anyway is a poor excuse.
“He should be there with the others, and his absence and Starmer’s presence makes it look as if he’s passed the premiership to Sir Keir already.”
Foreign secretary Lord Cameron and defence secretary Grant Shapps represented the Tory government at the event.
There was criticism from other quarters too. Former first sea lord Admiral Lord West told The Independent: “Nothing politicians do nowadays surprises me!”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who is also with veterans in Normandy but is hoping to pick up Tory voters in the election, attacked the prime minister for his decision.
He posted on X (formerly Twitter): “The Prime Minister has ducked out of the international D-Day event to fly back to the UK to campaign.I am here in Normandy in a personal capacity because I think it matters. Does he?”
The prime minister had appeared with British veterans at a “heroes welcome” event this morning, gaving a short speech before returning home.
In missing the event at Omaha beach, where the Americans landed and some of the fiercest fighting took place 80 years ago today, Mr Sunak also lost the opportunity to join President Voldymyr Zelensky, who reminded leaders that they have another war on Europe’s front with Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
On the Summer UFO's hearings story, the Congressman Tim Burchett says they are working on new whistleblower protections, because too many people pulled out last yesr at the last minute for fear of legal action.
“We’re working with some legal people and try to get something a little better than what's out there."
David Grusch gave a list of cooperative and hostile witnesses, what have they done with this list?
“That'll be part of the next hearing. I'm not giving out too many names, because, as you know, what happened the last time was that we originally had 12 people that were coming in, but we were left with 3."
I see Douglas Ross’ political career is over, and if it isn’t, it should be. Chicken run to displace ill but recovering colleague. Hope he loses.
Not sure what you're on about. David Duguid has clearly been incapacited and a chunk of his new constituency has been represented by Douglas Ross for the last seven years so makes sense for him to take over as he's a know quantity locally. And ss he's safely in Holyrood anyway hardly a chicken run - in fact he's taking quite a reputational risk if he fails to win. Much safer to have found someone else to stand. Of course, if he does make it to Westminster then he could be quite an influential player in the much-reduced Tory parliamentary party. But will leave the MSP group the job of finding a new leader.
Ross is *already* both an MSP and Scottish Tory leader. He had announced he was quitting Westminster to focus on Holyrood. And refereeing. But obviously has changed his mind...
The way the two main parties have treated candidate selection in this election is just awful. Completely treating local parties and local democracy as an inconvenience. Local members must do what they are instructed to.
I love it - not that they are riding roughshod, but that they cannot ignore that the centralised power was always there for potential use.
They can now properly decide as Members if they want to do something about it, to change the way the party operates. It would a long grind to have that happen. Or do they just kowtow?
Or just throw in the towel and leave the party or just not allow themselves too be used to do the donkey work.
It is noticeable in my seat how few local labour activists are campaigning for Luke Akehurst. It is mainly county councillors in the photo ops.
I am simply astonished at the idiotic action of Sunak today.
What was he thinking - no correct that, he wasn't and who on earth is advising him?
Rishi Sunak has been told that he has “misjudged the mood of the nation” by deciding to return early from the D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations to campaign in the general election.
And he has been warned that he appears to have already handed the mantle of prime minister to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer who joined veterans this afternoon in Normandy.
The criticism from Gulf War veteran Colonel Stuart Crawford came after Mr Sunak decided not to attend the major gathering of world leaders with veterans at Omaha beach this afternoon.
A Conservative source confirmed that he had returned to campaign in the election instead.
In contrast, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who is the odds-on favourite to win the election and be prime minister on 5 July, was at the event, mingling with world leaders including President Joe Biden, President Emmanuel Macron and King Charles. Asked whether it was a mistake for the prime minister to miss the event, Col Crawford, who served for 20 years in the Royal Tank Regiment, said: “I think Mr Sunak misjudges the mood of the nation by doing so.
“It’s a solemn occasion and sadly the last major anniversary of the landings, which will feature many of the surviving veterans.
“Campaigning for an election which everyone knows he’s going to lose anyway is a poor excuse.
“He should be there with the others, and his absence and Starmer’s presence makes it look as if he’s passed the premiership to Sir Keir already.”
Foreign secretary Lord Cameron and defence secretary Grant Shapps represented the Tory government at the event.
There was criticism from other quarters too. Former first sea lord Admiral Lord West told The Independent: “Nothing politicians do nowadays surprises me!”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who is also with veterans in Normandy but is hoping to pick up Tory voters in the election, attacked the prime minister for his decision.
He posted on X (formerly Twitter): “The Prime Minister has ducked out of the international D-Day event to fly back to the UK to campaign.I am here in Normandy in a personal capacity because I think it matters. Does he?”
The prime minister had appeared with British veterans at a “heroes welcome” event this morning, gaving a short speech before returning home.
In missing the event at Omaha beach, where the Americans landed and some of the fiercest fighting took place 80 years ago today, Mr Sunak also lost the opportunity to join President Voldymyr Zelensky, who reminded leaders that they have another war on Europe’s front with Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
It’s v plez. I’m going to SPUNK my one photo on my dinner. As it were. A fantastic grilled dorade with lovely white wine on the Black Sea. I can see towers missiled by Putin from where I type this. Blackened hulks. And yet the douceur du vivre abides. God bless the Ukes. Slava Ukraini!!!!
Any news on the frontline venture?
I have several choices
1. Go to actual frontline at Kherson complete with flak jacket and hear actual missiles landing
But then I’ve heard bits of missiles landing ON MY ROAD sufficient to cause minor detonations so… what’s the point? The war is here. It is in Odessa, and it really is. This is an air/drone war as much as anything else and I can see it right here, from my nice seafood restaurants
2. Stay here. Nice seafood restaurants! Fascinating and dreamy Odessa. The lack of power and often internet is a bitch but you get used to it, maybe, somehow. Disadvantage, I have to go home via Chisinau and I am done with that bus journey and Chisinau is boring
3. Go insane and go to Kharkiv and face even more missiles but without the seafood restaurants and less power
4. (My fave at the mo). couple more days in Odessa eating fish and dodging drones and then do Kyiv. Never been. Am fascinated. What is the great city of Kyiv like right now? Another plus: I can avoid Chisinau and go home via beautiful Lviv then Cracow
Out of interest, is the border open for (insane) tourists or did you need the media credentials?
The border is open, and you don’t have to be (that) insane. I went last year, albeit with Ukranian Mrs Sandpit. Accept that you don’t have travel insurance though, but Lviv and Kiev are wonderful cities to visit.
Seems harsh - obviously they’d need to carve out “war risk” but the rest should be insurable.
There’s no flights in or out, so you’re travelling over a land border. There’s no medical evacuations, any and all arrangements can be changed at a moment’s notice, etc, etc.
Perhaps your insurance might cover you if you lost luggage on the flight from London to Krakow, and had to spend an extra day in Poland - but that’s about it.
right I have to walk to my hotel, can I just say that this trip has renewed my fervour for the Ukrainian cause
The slightly triumphant swagger of Lviv in 2023 has gone - we threw off Putin! We will hurl him into the Azov! Now it is much more gritty determination and sangfroid and fuck it, we endure. And, in its way, that is more admirable. That is true grace, courage under fire, endless endless fire
They have lost 100,000s of their finest young men - and still they fight. And fight. And fight. And they will not fucking lie down. I am humbled by them. They need everything we can give them
Well done, Leon. More joy in heaven, and all that.
I’ve never NOT wanted Ukraine to prevail. I despise Putin and would like him and his cronies pushed out of a window. I’ve just doubted Ukraine can win and I still seriously doubt they can win. I’m fairly sure they can’t, in fact - in terms of regaining all Ukraine including Crimea it seems unlikely
But what they can do - and, from being here, what I sense they might do - is prove such doughty and inconquerable opponents Putin will have to sue for a less than brilliant peace. Or lose another million men gaining 5 sq km
I dunno. Perhaps Putin will seize Kyiv tomorrow. But in terms of human mood - and that is all you sense when you go places - the Ukrainians don’t seem minded to admit defeat. They are grimly set on defending the rest of their country, and fuck the suffering endured thereby
Manpower is still their issue. They have no problem with courage. We must arm them to the teeth to make up for the lack of troops
Longer serving PB’ers will remember you as Putin’s little helper.
I am simply astonished at the idiotic action of Sunak today.
What was he thinking - no correct that, he wasn't and who on earth is advising him?
Rishi Sunak has been told that he has “misjudged the mood of the nation” by deciding to return early from the D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations to campaign in the general election.
And he has been warned that he appears to have already handed the mantle of prime minister to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer who joined veterans this afternoon in Normandy.
The criticism from Gulf War veteran Colonel Stuart Crawford came after Mr Sunak decided not to attend the major gathering of world leaders with veterans at Omaha beach this afternoon.
A Conservative source confirmed that he had returned to campaign in the election instead.
In contrast, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who is the odds-on favourite to win the election and be prime minister on 5 July, was at the event, mingling with world leaders including President Joe Biden, President Emmanuel Macron and King Charles. Asked whether it was a mistake for the prime minister to miss the event, Col Crawford, who served for 20 years in the Royal Tank Regiment, said: “I think Mr Sunak misjudges the mood of the nation by doing so.
“It’s a solemn occasion and sadly the last major anniversary of the landings, which will feature many of the surviving veterans.
“Campaigning for an election which everyone knows he’s going to lose anyway is a poor excuse.
“He should be there with the others, and his absence and Starmer’s presence makes it look as if he’s passed the premiership to Sir Keir already.”
Foreign secretary Lord Cameron and defence secretary Grant Shapps represented the Tory government at the event.
There was criticism from other quarters too. Former first sea lord Admiral Lord West told The Independent: “Nothing politicians do nowadays surprises me!”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who is also with veterans in Normandy but is hoping to pick up Tory voters in the election, attacked the prime minister for his decision.
He posted on X (formerly Twitter): “The Prime Minister has ducked out of the international D-Day event to fly back to the UK to campaign.I am here in Normandy in a personal capacity because I think it matters. Does he?”
The prime minister had appeared with British veterans at a “heroes welcome” event this morning, gaving a short speech before returning home.
In missing the event at Omaha beach, where the Americans landed and some of the fiercest fighting took place 80 years ago today, Mr Sunak also lost the opportunity to join President Voldymyr Zelensky, who reminded leaders that they have another war on Europe’s front with Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
Starmer and Shapps attended the Omaha beach event
Oh my god, I didn’t know that. What a moronic thing to do. That is depressing, and saddening, that he’d do that. (And I’m not talking from a partisan position when I say that).
It’s v plez. I’m going to SPUNK my one photo on my dinner. As it were. A fantastic grilled dorade with lovely white wine on the Black Sea. I can see towers missiled by Putin from where I type this. Blackened hulks. And yet the douceur du vivre abides. God bless the Ukes. Slava Ukraini!!!!
Any news on the frontline venture?
I have several choices
1. Go to actual frontline at Kherson complete with flak jacket and hear actual missiles landing
But then I’ve heard bits of missiles landing ON MY ROAD sufficient to cause minor detonations so… what’s the point? The war is here. It is in Odessa, and it really is. This is an air/drone war as much as anything else and I can see it right here, from my nice seafood restaurants
2. Stay here. Nice seafood restaurants! Fascinating and dreamy Odessa. The lack of power and often internet is a bitch but you get used to it, maybe, somehow. Disadvantage, I have to go home via Chisinau and I am done with that bus journey and Chisinau is boring
3. Go insane and go to Kharkiv and face even more missiles but without the seafood restaurants and less power
4. (My fave at the mo). couple more days in Odessa eating fish and dodging drones and then do Kyiv. Never been. Am fascinated. What is the great city of Kyiv like right now? Another plus: I can avoid Chisinau and go home via beautiful Lviv then Cracow
I would go on to Kyiv, but I would try to get to Lviv via Kamenets Podilsky and Chernivtsi. Carpathian Ukraine is pretty stunning and the castle at Kamenets and the general Austro Hungarianness of Chernivtsi will probably speak loudly, not least because Gregor von Rezzori was born there.
Of course, "despising" Putin is more fashionable these days than it used to be:
I dislike Putin, generally. He kills his enemies. But then, so does the POTUS, with drones (and so does Boris). And sometimes your wiser enemies, or rivals, see you better then you see yourself. Putin nails this here. Wokeness is Bolshevism, right down to the determined destruction of the family unit
Putin is a fascinating character, worthy of respect, along with due wariness and preparedness. He is certainly not some mad aggressive autocrat, he is not Hitler. He actually thinks -- Some Cnut, 2021
The Tories have about 18 hours to do a deal with RefUK, whereby they offer to stand down in about 100 seats where Reform are strongest in return for the party standing down in favour of the Tories in the other constituencies.
Leading to a post-election merger, and Farage as LOTO?
While I can understand some voters being up for that, is it what grassroots Conservative members really want?
Labour members wanted the Absolute Boy to become their leader. The Tory grassroots are definitely bonkers enough to want Farage.
The Tories have about 18 hours to do a deal with RefUK, whereby they offer to stand down in about 100 seats where Reform are strongest in return for the party standing down in favour of the Tories in the other constituencies.
Leading to a post-election merger, and Farage as LOTO?
While I can understand some voters being up for that, is it what grassroots Conservative members really want?
A number of surveys say that Farage would be their preferred leader.
I suspect they will fall out with him fairly quickly. He is a one trick pony, and has quite a record of falling out with party subordinates. UKIP were famous for infighting.
I am simply astonished at the idiotic action of Sunak today.
What was he thinking - no correct that, he wasn't and who on earth is advising him?
Rishi Sunak has been told that he has “misjudged the mood of the nation” by deciding to return early from the D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations to campaign in the general election.
And he has been warned that he appears to have already handed the mantle of prime minister to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer who joined veterans this afternoon in Normandy.
The criticism from Gulf War veteran Colonel Stuart Crawford came after Mr Sunak decided not to attend the major gathering of world leaders with veterans at Omaha beach this afternoon.
A Conservative source confirmed that he had returned to campaign in the election instead.
In contrast, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who is the odds-on favourite to win the election and be prime minister on 5 July, was at the event, mingling with world leaders including President Joe Biden, President Emmanuel Macron and King Charles. Asked whether it was a mistake for the prime minister to miss the event, Col Crawford, who served for 20 years in the Royal Tank Regiment, said: “I think Mr Sunak misjudges the mood of the nation by doing so.
“It’s a solemn occasion and sadly the last major anniversary of the landings, which will feature many of the surviving veterans.
“Campaigning for an election which everyone knows he’s going to lose anyway is a poor excuse.
“He should be there with the others, and his absence and Starmer’s presence makes it look as if he’s passed the premiership to Sir Keir already.”
Foreign secretary Lord Cameron and defence secretary Grant Shapps represented the Tory government at the event.
There was criticism from other quarters too. Former first sea lord Admiral Lord West told The Independent: “Nothing politicians do nowadays surprises me!”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who is also with veterans in Normandy but is hoping to pick up Tory voters in the election, attacked the prime minister for his decision.
He posted on X (formerly Twitter): “The Prime Minister has ducked out of the international D-Day event to fly back to the UK to campaign.I am here in Normandy in a personal capacity because I think it matters. Does he?”
The prime minister had appeared with British veterans at a “heroes welcome” event this morning, gaving a short speech before returning home.
In missing the event at Omaha beach, where the Americans landed and some of the fiercest fighting took place 80 years ago today, Mr Sunak also lost the opportunity to join President Voldymyr Zelensky, who reminded leaders that they have another war on Europe’s front with Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
Starmer and Shapps attended the Omaha beach event
That is outrageous. It will also piss off the only segment of voters still mildly favourable to the Tories.
One seriously has to wonder if he has a political death wish.
I started this election just about persuadable into voting Tory, but I needed some good reasons to get me to that. So far the Tory leadership is doing everything to push me to vote elsewhere.
More on the effects of the crashing Nigerian economy:
Nigerian students hit by a financial crisis make up the majority of clients at a food charity, its manager has said.
An economic crash in Nigeria left international students struggling to afford tuition fees, with some at Teesside University blocked from their studies and ordered to return home.
Manager Debbie Fixter said 75% of clients at Thornaby's Sprouts Community Food Charity (SCFC) were affected students and the situation had pushed it to "maximum capacity".
On much more interesting news I’ve just discovered that “Rule Britannia” was a rebellious song written against George II by his opponents led by his son, the future George III.
Of course, "despising" Putin is more fashionable these days than it used to be:
I dislike Putin, generally. He kills his enemies. But then, so does the POTUS, with drones (and so does Boris). And sometimes your wiser enemies, or rivals, see you better then you see yourself. Putin nails this here. Wokeness is Bolshevism, right down to the determined destruction of the family unit
Putin is a fascinating character, worthy of respect, along with due wariness and preparedness. He is certainly not some mad aggressive autocrat, he is not Hitler. He actually thinks -- Some Cnut, 2021
Railing against the determined destruction of the family unit is quite funny given the source.
I am simply astonished at the idiotic action of Sunak today.
What was he thinking - no correct that, he wasn't and who on earth is advising him?
Rishi Sunak has been told that he has “misjudged the mood of the nation” by deciding to return early from the D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations to campaign in the general election.
And he has been warned that he appears to have already handed the mantle of prime minister to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer who joined veterans this afternoon in Normandy.
The criticism from Gulf War veteran Colonel Stuart Crawford came after Mr Sunak decided not to attend the major gathering of world leaders with veterans at Omaha beach this afternoon.
A Conservative source confirmed that he had returned to campaign in the election instead.
In contrast, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who is the odds-on favourite to win the election and be prime minister on 5 July, was at the event, mingling with world leaders including President Joe Biden, President Emmanuel Macron and King Charles. Asked whether it was a mistake for the prime minister to miss the event, Col Crawford, who served for 20 years in the Royal Tank Regiment, said: “I think Mr Sunak misjudges the mood of the nation by doing so.
“It’s a solemn occasion and sadly the last major anniversary of the landings, which will feature many of the surviving veterans.
“Campaigning for an election which everyone knows he’s going to lose anyway is a poor excuse.
“He should be there with the others, and his absence and Starmer’s presence makes it look as if he’s passed the premiership to Sir Keir already.”
Foreign secretary Lord Cameron and defence secretary Grant Shapps represented the Tory government at the event.
There was criticism from other quarters too. Former first sea lord Admiral Lord West told The Independent: “Nothing politicians do nowadays surprises me!”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who is also with veterans in Normandy but is hoping to pick up Tory voters in the election, attacked the prime minister for his decision.
He posted on X (formerly Twitter): “The Prime Minister has ducked out of the international D-Day event to fly back to the UK to campaign.I am here in Normandy in a personal capacity because I think it matters. Does he?”
The prime minister had appeared with British veterans at a “heroes welcome” event this morning, gaving a short speech before returning home.
In missing the event at Omaha beach, where the Americans landed and some of the fiercest fighting took place 80 years ago today, Mr Sunak also lost the opportunity to join President Voldymyr Zelensky, who reminded leaders that they have another war on Europe’s front with Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
Starmer and Shapps attended the Omaha beach event
That is outrageous. It will also piss off the only segment of voters still mildly favourable to the Tories.
One seriously has to wonder if he has a political death wish.
I started this election just about persuadable into voting Tory, but I needed some good reasons to get me to that. So far the Tory leadership is doing everything to push me to vote elsewhere.
If elections were decided based on a mix of performance, policy and campaign alone rather than people strongly favouring their "natural" party, this version of the Conservative party would be on about 5%.
One of the interesting things about Reagan's 40th D-Day anniversary speech, is that it is NOT a bravura oration. Instead Reagan simply read his text, with restrained but very effective emotion. And above all, gravitas combined with empathy.
One imagines that Abraham Lincoln did much the same when he delivered the Gettysburg Address.
I am simply astonished at the idiotic action of Sunak today.
What was he thinking - no correct that, he wasn't and who on earth is advising him?
Rishi Sunak has been told that he has “misjudged the mood of the nation” by deciding to return early from the D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations to campaign in the general election.
And he has been warned that he appears to have already handed the mantle of prime minister to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer who joined veterans this afternoon in Normandy.
The criticism from Gulf War veteran Colonel Stuart Crawford came after Mr Sunak decided not to attend the major gathering of world leaders with veterans at Omaha beach this afternoon.
A Conservative source confirmed that he had returned to campaign in the election instead.
In contrast, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who is the odds-on favourite to win the election and be prime minister on 5 July, was at the event, mingling with world leaders including President Joe Biden, President Emmanuel Macron and King Charles. Asked whether it was a mistake for the prime minister to miss the event, Col Crawford, who served for 20 years in the Royal Tank Regiment, said: “I think Mr Sunak misjudges the mood of the nation by doing so.
“It’s a solemn occasion and sadly the last major anniversary of the landings, which will feature many of the surviving veterans.
“Campaigning for an election which everyone knows he’s going to lose anyway is a poor excuse.
“He should be there with the others, and his absence and Starmer’s presence makes it look as if he’s passed the premiership to Sir Keir already.”
Foreign secretary Lord Cameron and defence secretary Grant Shapps represented the Tory government at the event.
There was criticism from other quarters too. Former first sea lord Admiral Lord West told The Independent: “Nothing politicians do nowadays surprises me!”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who is also with veterans in Normandy but is hoping to pick up Tory voters in the election, attacked the prime minister for his decision.
He posted on X (formerly Twitter): “The Prime Minister has ducked out of the international D-Day event to fly back to the UK to campaign.I am here in Normandy in a personal capacity because I think it matters. Does he?”
The prime minister had appeared with British veterans at a “heroes welcome” event this morning, gaving a short speech before returning home.
In missing the event at Omaha beach, where the Americans landed and some of the fiercest fighting took place 80 years ago today, Mr Sunak also lost the opportunity to join President Voldymyr Zelensky, who reminded leaders that they have another war on Europe’s front with Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
I am simply astonished at the idiotic action of Sunak today.
What was he thinking - no correct that, he wasn't and who on earth is advising him?
Rishi Sunak has been told that he has “misjudged the mood of the nation” by deciding to return early from the D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations to campaign in the general election.
And he has been warned that he appears to have already handed the mantle of prime minister to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer who joined veterans this afternoon in Normandy.
The criticism from Gulf War veteran Colonel Stuart Crawford came after Mr Sunak decided not to attend the major gathering of world leaders with veterans at Omaha beach this afternoon.
A Conservative source confirmed that he had returned to campaign in the election instead.
In contrast, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who is the odds-on favourite to win the election and be prime minister on 5 July, was at the event, mingling with world leaders including President Joe Biden, President Emmanuel Macron and King Charles. Asked whether it was a mistake for the prime minister to miss the event, Col Crawford, who served for 20 years in the Royal Tank Regiment, said: “I think Mr Sunak misjudges the mood of the nation by doing so.
“It’s a solemn occasion and sadly the last major anniversary of the landings, which will feature many of the surviving veterans.
“Campaigning for an election which everyone knows he’s going to lose anyway is a poor excuse.
“He should be there with the others, and his absence and Starmer’s presence makes it look as if he’s passed the premiership to Sir Keir already.”
Foreign secretary Lord Cameron and defence secretary Grant Shapps represented the Tory government at the event.
There was criticism from other quarters too. Former first sea lord Admiral Lord West told The Independent: “Nothing politicians do nowadays surprises me!”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who is also with veterans in Normandy but is hoping to pick up Tory voters in the election, attacked the prime minister for his decision.
He posted on X (formerly Twitter): “The Prime Minister has ducked out of the international D-Day event to fly back to the UK to campaign.I am here in Normandy in a personal capacity because I think it matters. Does he?”
The prime minister had appeared with British veterans at a “heroes welcome” event this morning, gaving a short speech before returning home.
In missing the event at Omaha beach, where the Americans landed and some of the fiercest fighting took place 80 years ago today, Mr Sunak also lost the opportunity to join President Voldymyr Zelensky, who reminded leaders that they have another war on Europe’s front with Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
Starmer and Shapps attended the Omaha beach event
Wow!
Where's that quote from Big_G?
To be honest I am so annoyed I cannot recall but it was a summary of today's celebrations of D day
Nobody has been more loyal to Sunak than myself but that's it - I am done and frankly just want this over and to see Starmer in no 10
One of the interesting things about Reagan's 40th D-Day anniversary speech, is that it is NOT a bravura oration. Instead Reagan simply read his text, with restrained but very effective emotion. And above all, gravitas combined with empathy.
One imagines that Abraham Lincoln did much the same when he delivered the Gettysburg Address.
I read somewhere that Reagan attempted to reply personally to letters he received.
I am simply astonished at the idiotic action of Sunak today.
What was he thinking - no correct that, he wasn't and who on earth is advising him?
Rishi Sunak has been told that he has “misjudged the mood of the nation” by deciding to return early from the D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations to campaign in the general election.
And he has been warned that he appears to have already handed the mantle of prime minister to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer who joined veterans this afternoon in Normandy.
The criticism from Gulf War veteran Colonel Stuart Crawford came after Mr Sunak decided not to attend the major gathering of world leaders with veterans at Omaha beach this afternoon.
A Conservative source confirmed that he had returned to campaign in the election instead.
In contrast, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who is the odds-on favourite to win the election and be prime minister on 5 July, was at the event, mingling with world leaders including President Joe Biden, President Emmanuel Macron and King Charles. Asked whether it was a mistake for the prime minister to miss the event, Col Crawford, who served for 20 years in the Royal Tank Regiment, said: “I think Mr Sunak misjudges the mood of the nation by doing so.
“It’s a solemn occasion and sadly the last major anniversary of the landings, which will feature many of the surviving veterans.
“Campaigning for an election which everyone knows he’s going to lose anyway is a poor excuse.
“He should be there with the others, and his absence and Starmer’s presence makes it look as if he’s passed the premiership to Sir Keir already.”
Foreign secretary Lord Cameron and defence secretary Grant Shapps represented the Tory government at the event.
There was criticism from other quarters too. Former first sea lord Admiral Lord West told The Independent: “Nothing politicians do nowadays surprises me!”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who is also with veterans in Normandy but is hoping to pick up Tory voters in the election, attacked the prime minister for his decision.
He posted on X (formerly Twitter): “The Prime Minister has ducked out of the international D-Day event to fly back to the UK to campaign.I am here in Normandy in a personal capacity because I think it matters. Does he?”
The prime minister had appeared with British veterans at a “heroes welcome” event this morning, gaving a short speech before returning home.
In missing the event at Omaha beach, where the Americans landed and some of the fiercest fighting took place 80 years ago today, Mr Sunak also lost the opportunity to join President Voldymyr Zelensky, who reminded leaders that they have another war on Europe’s front with Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
Starmer and Shapps attended the Omaha beach event
What the f***?
Did Sunak actually duck out of meeting Zelensky on Omaha Beach, while leaving Starmer there to meet the Ukranians?
I am simply astonished at the idiotic action of Sunak today.
What was he thinking - no correct that, he wasn't and who on earth is advising him?
Rishi Sunak has been told that he has “misjudged the mood of the nation” by deciding to return early from the D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations to campaign in the general election.
And he has been warned that he appears to have already handed the mantle of prime minister to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer who joined veterans this afternoon in Normandy.
The criticism from Gulf War veteran Colonel Stuart Crawford came after Mr Sunak decided not to attend the major gathering of world leaders with veterans at Omaha beach this afternoon.
A Conservative source confirmed that he had returned to campaign in the election instead.
In contrast, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who is the odds-on favourite to win the election and be prime minister on 5 July, was at the event, mingling with world leaders including President Joe Biden, President Emmanuel Macron and King Charles. Asked whether it was a mistake for the prime minister to miss the event, Col Crawford, who served for 20 years in the Royal Tank Regiment, said: “I think Mr Sunak misjudges the mood of the nation by doing so.
“It’s a solemn occasion and sadly the last major anniversary of the landings, which will feature many of the surviving veterans.
“Campaigning for an election which everyone knows he’s going to lose anyway is a poor excuse.
“He should be there with the others, and his absence and Starmer’s presence makes it look as if he’s passed the premiership to Sir Keir already.”
Foreign secretary Lord Cameron and defence secretary Grant Shapps represented the Tory government at the event.
There was criticism from other quarters too. Former first sea lord Admiral Lord West told The Independent: “Nothing politicians do nowadays surprises me!”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who is also with veterans in Normandy but is hoping to pick up Tory voters in the election, attacked the prime minister for his decision.
He posted on X (formerly Twitter): “The Prime Minister has ducked out of the international D-Day event to fly back to the UK to campaign.I am here in Normandy in a personal capacity because I think it matters. Does he?”
The prime minister had appeared with British veterans at a “heroes welcome” event this morning, gaving a short speech before returning home.
In missing the event at Omaha beach, where the Americans landed and some of the fiercest fighting took place 80 years ago today, Mr Sunak also lost the opportunity to join President Voldymyr Zelensky, who reminded leaders that they have another war on Europe’s front with Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
I am simply astonished at the idiotic action of Sunak today.
What was he thinking - no correct that, he wasn't and who on earth is advising him?
Rishi Sunak has been told that he has “misjudged the mood of the nation” by deciding to return early from the D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations to campaign in the general election.
And he has been warned that he appears to have already handed the mantle of prime minister to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer who joined veterans this afternoon in Normandy.
The criticism from Gulf War veteran Colonel Stuart Crawford came after Mr Sunak decided not to attend the major gathering of world leaders with veterans at Omaha beach this afternoon.
A Conservative source confirmed that he had returned to campaign in the election instead.
In contrast, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who is the odds-on favourite to win the election and be prime minister on 5 July, was at the event, mingling with world leaders including President Joe Biden, President Emmanuel Macron and King Charles. Asked whether it was a mistake for the prime minister to miss the event, Col Crawford, who served for 20 years in the Royal Tank Regiment, said: “I think Mr Sunak misjudges the mood of the nation by doing so.
“It’s a solemn occasion and sadly the last major anniversary of the landings, which will feature many of the surviving veterans.
“Campaigning for an election which everyone knows he’s going to lose anyway is a poor excuse.
“He should be there with the others, and his absence and Starmer’s presence makes it look as if he’s passed the premiership to Sir Keir already.”
Foreign secretary Lord Cameron and defence secretary Grant Shapps represented the Tory government at the event.
There was criticism from other quarters too. Former first sea lord Admiral Lord West told The Independent: “Nothing politicians do nowadays surprises me!”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who is also with veterans in Normandy but is hoping to pick up Tory voters in the election, attacked the prime minister for his decision.
He posted on X (formerly Twitter): “The Prime Minister has ducked out of the international D-Day event to fly back to the UK to campaign.I am here in Normandy in a personal capacity because I think it matters. Does he?”
The prime minister had appeared with British veterans at a “heroes welcome” event this morning, gaving a short speech before returning home.
In missing the event at Omaha beach, where the Americans landed and some of the fiercest fighting took place 80 years ago today, Mr Sunak also lost the opportunity to join President Voldymyr Zelensky, who reminded leaders that they have another war on Europe’s front with Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
Starmer and Shapps attended the Omaha beach event
Wow!
Where's that quote from Big_G?
To be honest I am so annoyed I cannot recall but it was a summary of today's celebrations of D day
Nobody has been more loyal to Sunak than myself but that's it - I am done and frankly just want this over and to see Starmer in no 10
So, is it Labour or Plaid Cymru for you later this month then?
It’s v plez. I’m going to SPUNK my one photo on my dinner. As it were. A fantastic grilled dorade with lovely white wine on the Black Sea. I can see towers missiled by Putin from where I type this. Blackened hulks. And yet the douceur du vivre abides. God bless the Ukes. Slava Ukraini!!!!
Any news on the frontline venture?
I have several choices
1. Go to actual frontline at Kherson complete with flak jacket and hear actual missiles landing
But then I’ve heard bits of missiles landing ON MY ROAD sufficient to cause minor detonations so… what’s the point? The war is here. It is in Odessa, and it really is. This is an air/drone war as much as anything else and I can see it right here, from my nice seafood restaurants
2. Stay here. Nice seafood restaurants! Fascinating and dreamy Odessa. The lack of power and often internet is a bitch but you get used to it, maybe, somehow. Disadvantage, I have to go home via Chisinau and I am done with that bus journey and Chisinau is boring
3. Go insane and go to Kharkiv and face even more missiles but without the seafood restaurants and less power
4. (My fave at the mo). couple more days in Odessa eating fish and dodging drones and then do Kyiv. Never been. Am fascinated. What is the great city of Kyiv like right now? Another plus: I can avoid Chisinau and go home via beautiful Lviv then Cracow
What would Hemingway have done?
Go to the front line. See it with your own eyes. You may end up writing the next Farewell to Arms...
I am simply astonished at the idiotic action of Sunak today.
What was he thinking - no correct that, he wasn't and who on earth is advising him?
Rishi Sunak has been told that he has “misjudged the mood of the nation” by deciding to return early from the D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations to campaign in the general election.
And he has been warned that he appears to have already handed the mantle of prime minister to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer who joined veterans this afternoon in Normandy.
The criticism from Gulf War veteran Colonel Stuart Crawford came after Mr Sunak decided not to attend the major gathering of world leaders with veterans at Omaha beach this afternoon.
A Conservative source confirmed that he had returned to campaign in the election instead.
In contrast, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who is the odds-on favourite to win the election and be prime minister on 5 July, was at the event, mingling with world leaders including President Joe Biden, President Emmanuel Macron and King Charles. Asked whether it was a mistake for the prime minister to miss the event, Col Crawford, who served for 20 years in the Royal Tank Regiment, said: “I think Mr Sunak misjudges the mood of the nation by doing so.
“It’s a solemn occasion and sadly the last major anniversary of the landings, which will feature many of the surviving veterans.
“Campaigning for an election which everyone knows he’s going to lose anyway is a poor excuse.
“He should be there with the others, and his absence and Starmer’s presence makes it look as if he’s passed the premiership to Sir Keir already.”
Foreign secretary Lord Cameron and defence secretary Grant Shapps represented the Tory government at the event.
There was criticism from other quarters too. Former first sea lord Admiral Lord West told The Independent: “Nothing politicians do nowadays surprises me!”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who is also with veterans in Normandy but is hoping to pick up Tory voters in the election, attacked the prime minister for his decision.
He posted on X (formerly Twitter): “The Prime Minister has ducked out of the international D-Day event to fly back to the UK to campaign.I am here in Normandy in a personal capacity because I think it matters. Does he?”
The prime minister had appeared with British veterans at a “heroes welcome” event this morning, gaving a short speech before returning home.
In missing the event at Omaha beach, where the Americans landed and some of the fiercest fighting took place 80 years ago today, Mr Sunak also lost the opportunity to join President Voldymyr Zelensky, who reminded leaders that they have another war on Europe’s front with Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
Starmer and Shapps attended the Omaha beach event
That is outrageous. It will also piss off the only segment of voters still mildly favourable to the Tories.
One seriously has to wonder if he has a political death wish.
I started this election just about persuadable into voting Tory, but I needed some good reasons to get me to that. So far the Tory leadership is doing everything to push me to vote elsewhere.
I was mocked by @BartholomewRoberts earlier today when I suggested that this could become the story. Just saying
No you weren’t. He just disagreed with you.
Not really. A bunch of MPs most members of the public have never heard of is so niche it's something only politics nerds would care about. And politics nerds have enough stories.
The Tories have about 18 hours to do a deal with RefUK, whereby they offer to stand down in about 100 seats where Reform are strongest in return for the party standing down in favour of the Tories in the other constituencies.
Leading to a post-election merger, and Farage as LOTO?
While I can understand some voters being up for that, is it what grassroots Conservative members really want?
I think it would lead to the death of the Tories, whatever they do now.
No true conservative would have anything to do with Russia Today´s Nigel Farage in any event.
Any One Nation survivors would immediately do a 'Change UK' Post election
I am simply astonished at the idiotic action of Sunak today.
What was he thinking - no correct that, he wasn't and who on earth is advising him?
Rishi Sunak has been told that he has “misjudged the mood of the nation” by deciding to return early from the D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations to campaign in the general election.
And he has been warned that he appears to have already handed the mantle of prime minister to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer who joined veterans this afternoon in Normandy.
The criticism from Gulf War veteran Colonel Stuart Crawford came after Mr Sunak decided not to attend the major gathering of world leaders with veterans at Omaha beach this afternoon.
A Conservative source confirmed that he had returned to campaign in the election instead.
In contrast, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who is the odds-on favourite to win the election and be prime minister on 5 July, was at the event, mingling with world leaders including President Joe Biden, President Emmanuel Macron and King Charles. Asked whether it was a mistake for the prime minister to miss the event, Col Crawford, who served for 20 years in the Royal Tank Regiment, said: “I think Mr Sunak misjudges the mood of the nation by doing so.
“It’s a solemn occasion and sadly the last major anniversary of the landings, which will feature many of the surviving veterans.
“Campaigning for an election which everyone knows he’s going to lose anyway is a poor excuse.
“He should be there with the others, and his absence and Starmer’s presence makes it look as if he’s passed the premiership to Sir Keir already.”
Foreign secretary Lord Cameron and defence secretary Grant Shapps represented the Tory government at the event.
There was criticism from other quarters too. Former first sea lord Admiral Lord West told The Independent: “Nothing politicians do nowadays surprises me!”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who is also with veterans in Normandy but is hoping to pick up Tory voters in the election, attacked the prime minister for his decision.
He posted on X (formerly Twitter): “The Prime Minister has ducked out of the international D-Day event to fly back to the UK to campaign.I am here in Normandy in a personal capacity because I think it matters. Does he?”
The prime minister had appeared with British veterans at a “heroes welcome” event this morning, gaving a short speech before returning home.
In missing the event at Omaha beach, where the Americans landed and some of the fiercest fighting took place 80 years ago today, Mr Sunak also lost the opportunity to join President Voldymyr Zelensky, who reminded leaders that they have another war on Europe’s front with Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
Starmer and Shapps attended the Omaha beach event
What the f***?
Did Sunak actually duck out of meeting Zelensky on Omaha Beach, while leaving Starmer there to meet the Ukranians?
I am simply astonished at the idiotic action of Sunak today.
What was he thinking - no correct that, he wasn't and who on earth is advising him?
Rishi Sunak has been told that he has “misjudged the mood of the nation” by deciding to return early from the D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations to campaign in the general election.
And he has been warned that he appears to have already handed the mantle of prime minister to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer who joined veterans this afternoon in Normandy.
The criticism from Gulf War veteran Colonel Stuart Crawford came after Mr Sunak decided not to attend the major gathering of world leaders with veterans at Omaha beach this afternoon.
A Conservative source confirmed that he had returned to campaign in the election instead.
In contrast, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who is the odds-on favourite to win the election and be prime minister on 5 July, was at the event, mingling with world leaders including President Joe Biden, President Emmanuel Macron and King Charles. Asked whether it was a mistake for the prime minister to miss the event, Col Crawford, who served for 20 years in the Royal Tank Regiment, said: “I think Mr Sunak misjudges the mood of the nation by doing so.
“It’s a solemn occasion and sadly the last major anniversary of the landings, which will feature many of the surviving veterans.
“Campaigning for an election which everyone knows he’s going to lose anyway is a poor excuse.
“He should be there with the others, and his absence and Starmer’s presence makes it look as if he’s passed the premiership to Sir Keir already.”
Foreign secretary Lord Cameron and defence secretary Grant Shapps represented the Tory government at the event.
There was criticism from other quarters too. Former first sea lord Admiral Lord West told The Independent: “Nothing politicians do nowadays surprises me!”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who is also with veterans in Normandy but is hoping to pick up Tory voters in the election, attacked the prime minister for his decision.
He posted on X (formerly Twitter): “The Prime Minister has ducked out of the international D-Day event to fly back to the UK to campaign.I am here in Normandy in a personal capacity because I think it matters. Does he?”
The prime minister had appeared with British veterans at a “heroes welcome” event this morning, gaving a short speech before returning home.
In missing the event at Omaha beach, where the Americans landed and some of the fiercest fighting took place 80 years ago today, Mr Sunak also lost the opportunity to join President Voldymyr Zelensky, who reminded leaders that they have another war on Europe’s front with Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
Starmer and Shapps attended the Omaha beach event
That is outrageous. It will also piss off the only segment of voters still mildly favourable to the Tories.
One seriously has to wonder if he has a political death wish.
I started this election just about persuadable into voting Tory, but I needed some good reasons to get me to that. So far the Tory leadership is doing everything to push me to vote elsewhere.
I am simply astonished at the idiotic action of Sunak today.
What was he thinking - no correct that, he wasn't and who on earth is advising him?
Rishi Sunak has been told that he has “misjudged the mood of the nation” by deciding to return early from the D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations to campaign in the general election.
And he has been warned that he appears to have already handed the mantle of prime minister to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer who joined veterans this afternoon in Normandy.
The criticism from Gulf War veteran Colonel Stuart Crawford came after Mr Sunak decided not to attend the major gathering of world leaders with veterans at Omaha beach this afternoon.
A Conservative source confirmed that he had returned to campaign in the election instead.
In contrast, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who is the odds-on favourite to win the election and be prime minister on 5 July, was at the event, mingling with world leaders including President Joe Biden, President Emmanuel Macron and King Charles. Asked whether it was a mistake for the prime minister to miss the event, Col Crawford, who served for 20 years in the Royal Tank Regiment, said: “I think Mr Sunak misjudges the mood of the nation by doing so.
“It’s a solemn occasion and sadly the last major anniversary of the landings, which will feature many of the surviving veterans.
“Campaigning for an election which everyone knows he’s going to lose anyway is a poor excuse.
“He should be there with the others, and his absence and Starmer’s presence makes it look as if he’s passed the premiership to Sir Keir already.”
Foreign secretary Lord Cameron and defence secretary Grant Shapps represented the Tory government at the event.
There was criticism from other quarters too. Former first sea lord Admiral Lord West told The Independent: “Nothing politicians do nowadays surprises me!”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who is also with veterans in Normandy but is hoping to pick up Tory voters in the election, attacked the prime minister for his decision.
He posted on X (formerly Twitter): “The Prime Minister has ducked out of the international D-Day event to fly back to the UK to campaign.I am here in Normandy in a personal capacity because I think it matters. Does he?”
The prime minister had appeared with British veterans at a “heroes welcome” event this morning, gaving a short speech before returning home.
In missing the event at Omaha beach, where the Americans landed and some of the fiercest fighting took place 80 years ago today, Mr Sunak also lost the opportunity to join President Voldymyr Zelensky, who reminded leaders that they have another war on Europe’s front with Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
Starmer and Shapps attended the Omaha beach event
That is outrageous. It will also piss off the only segment of voters still mildly favourable to the Tories.
One seriously has to wonder if he has a political death wish.
I started this election just about persuadable into voting Tory, but I needed some good reasons to get me to that. So far the Tory leadership is doing everything to push me to vote elsewhere.
Different generation perhaps. Just not important to him, just like the majority of young people.
I am simply astonished at the idiotic action of Sunak today.
What was he thinking - no correct that, he wasn't and who on earth is advising him?
Rishi Sunak has been told that he has “misjudged the mood of the nation” by deciding to return early from the D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations to campaign in the general election.
And he has been warned that he appears to have already handed the mantle of prime minister to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer who joined veterans this afternoon in Normandy.
The criticism from Gulf War veteran Colonel Stuart Crawford came after Mr Sunak decided not to attend the major gathering of world leaders with veterans at Omaha beach this afternoon.
A Conservative source confirmed that he had returned to campaign in the election instead.
In contrast, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who is the odds-on favourite to win the election and be prime minister on 5 July, was at the event, mingling with world leaders including President Joe Biden, President Emmanuel Macron and King Charles. Asked whether it was a mistake for the prime minister to miss the event, Col Crawford, who served for 20 years in the Royal Tank Regiment, said: “I think Mr Sunak misjudges the mood of the nation by doing so.
“It’s a solemn occasion and sadly the last major anniversary of the landings, which will feature many of the surviving veterans.
“Campaigning for an election which everyone knows he’s going to lose anyway is a poor excuse.
“He should be there with the others, and his absence and Starmer’s presence makes it look as if he’s passed the premiership to Sir Keir already.”
Foreign secretary Lord Cameron and defence secretary Grant Shapps represented the Tory government at the event.
There was criticism from other quarters too. Former first sea lord Admiral Lord West told The Independent: “Nothing politicians do nowadays surprises me!”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who is also with veterans in Normandy but is hoping to pick up Tory voters in the election, attacked the prime minister for his decision.
He posted on X (formerly Twitter): “The Prime Minister has ducked out of the international D-Day event to fly back to the UK to campaign.I am here in Normandy in a personal capacity because I think it matters. Does he?”
The prime minister had appeared with British veterans at a “heroes welcome” event this morning, gaving a short speech before returning home.
In missing the event at Omaha beach, where the Americans landed and some of the fiercest fighting took place 80 years ago today, Mr Sunak also lost the opportunity to join President Voldymyr Zelensky, who reminded leaders that they have another war on Europe’s front with Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
Starmer and Shapps attended the Omaha beach event
What the f***?
Did Sunak actually duck out of meeting Zelensky on Omaha Beach, while leaving Starmer there to meet the Ukranians?
I am simply astonished at the idiotic action of Sunak today.
What was he thinking - no correct that, he wasn't and who on earth is advising him?
Rishi Sunak has been told that he has “misjudged the mood of the nation” by deciding to return early from the D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations to campaign in the general election.
And he has been warned that he appears to have already handed the mantle of prime minister to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer who joined veterans this afternoon in Normandy.
The criticism from Gulf War veteran Colonel Stuart Crawford came after Mr Sunak decided not to attend the major gathering of world leaders with veterans at Omaha beach this afternoon.
A Conservative source confirmed that he had returned to campaign in the election instead.
In contrast, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who is the odds-on favourite to win the election and be prime minister on 5 July, was at the event, mingling with world leaders including President Joe Biden, President Emmanuel Macron and King Charles. Asked whether it was a mistake for the prime minister to miss the event, Col Crawford, who served for 20 years in the Royal Tank Regiment, said: “I think Mr Sunak misjudges the mood of the nation by doing so.
“It’s a solemn occasion and sadly the last major anniversary of the landings, which will feature many of the surviving veterans.
“Campaigning for an election which everyone knows he’s going to lose anyway is a poor excuse.
“He should be there with the others, and his absence and Starmer’s presence makes it look as if he’s passed the premiership to Sir Keir already.”
Foreign secretary Lord Cameron and defence secretary Grant Shapps represented the Tory government at the event.
There was criticism from other quarters too. Former first sea lord Admiral Lord West told The Independent: “Nothing politicians do nowadays surprises me!”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who is also with veterans in Normandy but is hoping to pick up Tory voters in the election, attacked the prime minister for his decision.
He posted on X (formerly Twitter): “The Prime Minister has ducked out of the international D-Day event to fly back to the UK to campaign.I am here in Normandy in a personal capacity because I think it matters. Does he?”
The prime minister had appeared with British veterans at a “heroes welcome” event this morning, gaving a short speech before returning home.
In missing the event at Omaha beach, where the Americans landed and some of the fiercest fighting took place 80 years ago today, Mr Sunak also lost the opportunity to join President Voldymyr Zelensky, who reminded leaders that they have another war on Europe’s front with Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
I am simply astonished at the idiotic action of Sunak today.
What was he thinking - no correct that, he wasn't and who on earth is advising him?
Rishi Sunak has been told that he has “misjudged the mood of the nation” by deciding to return early from the D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations to campaign in the general election.
And he has been warned that he appears to have already handed the mantle of prime minister to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer who joined veterans this afternoon in Normandy.
The criticism from Gulf War veteran Colonel Stuart Crawford came after Mr Sunak decided not to attend the major gathering of world leaders with veterans at Omaha beach this afternoon.
A Conservative source confirmed that he had returned to campaign in the election instead.
In contrast, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who is the odds-on favourite to win the election and be prime minister on 5 July, was at the event, mingling with world leaders including President Joe Biden, President Emmanuel Macron and King Charles. Asked whether it was a mistake for the prime minister to miss the event, Col Crawford, who served for 20 years in the Royal Tank Regiment, said: “I think Mr Sunak misjudges the mood of the nation by doing so.
“It’s a solemn occasion and sadly the last major anniversary of the landings, which will feature many of the surviving veterans.
“Campaigning for an election which everyone knows he’s going to lose anyway is a poor excuse.
“He should be there with the others, and his absence and Starmer’s presence makes it look as if he’s passed the premiership to Sir Keir already.”
Foreign secretary Lord Cameron and defence secretary Grant Shapps represented the Tory government at the event.
There was criticism from other quarters too. Former first sea lord Admiral Lord West told The Independent: “Nothing politicians do nowadays surprises me!”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who is also with veterans in Normandy but is hoping to pick up Tory voters in the election, attacked the prime minister for his decision.
He posted on X (formerly Twitter): “The Prime Minister has ducked out of the international D-Day event to fly back to the UK to campaign.I am here in Normandy in a personal capacity because I think it matters. Does he?”
The prime minister had appeared with British veterans at a “heroes welcome” event this morning, gaving a short speech before returning home.
In missing the event at Omaha beach, where the Americans landed and some of the fiercest fighting took place 80 years ago today, Mr Sunak also lost the opportunity to join President Voldymyr Zelensky, who reminded leaders that they have another war on Europe’s front with Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
Starmer and Shapps attended the Omaha beach event
Wow!
Where's that quote from Big_G?
To be honest I am so annoyed I cannot recall but it was a summary of today's celebrations of D day
Nobody has been more loyal to Sunak than myself but that's it - I am done and frankly just want this over and to see Starmer in no 10
So, is it Labour or Plaid Cymru for you later this month then?
Of course, "despising" Putin is more fashionable these days than it used to be:
I dislike Putin, generally. He kills his enemies. But then, so does the POTUS, with drones (and so does Boris). And sometimes your wiser enemies, or rivals, see you better then you see yourself. Putin nails this here. Wokeness is Bolshevism, right down to the determined destruction of the family unit
Putin is a fascinating character, worthy of respect, along with due wariness and preparedness. He is certainly not some mad aggressive autocrat, he is not Hitler. He actually thinks -- Some Cnut, 2021
I am simply astonished at the idiotic action of Sunak today.
What was he thinking - no correct that, he wasn't and who on earth is advising him?
Rishi Sunak has been told that he has “misjudged the mood of the nation” by deciding to return early from the D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations to campaign in the general election.
And he has been warned that he appears to have already handed the mantle of prime minister to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer who joined veterans this afternoon in Normandy.
The criticism from Gulf War veteran Colonel Stuart Crawford came after Mr Sunak decided not to attend the major gathering of world leaders with veterans at Omaha beach this afternoon.
A Conservative source confirmed that he had returned to campaign in the election instead.
In contrast, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who is the odds-on favourite to win the election and be prime minister on 5 July, was at the event, mingling with world leaders including President Joe Biden, President Emmanuel Macron and King Charles. Asked whether it was a mistake for the prime minister to miss the event, Col Crawford, who served for 20 years in the Royal Tank Regiment, said: “I think Mr Sunak misjudges the mood of the nation by doing so.
“It’s a solemn occasion and sadly the last major anniversary of the landings, which will feature many of the surviving veterans.
“Campaigning for an election which everyone knows he’s going to lose anyway is a poor excuse.
“He should be there with the others, and his absence and Starmer’s presence makes it look as if he’s passed the premiership to Sir Keir already.”
Foreign secretary Lord Cameron and defence secretary Grant Shapps represented the Tory government at the event.
There was criticism from other quarters too. Former first sea lord Admiral Lord West told The Independent: “Nothing politicians do nowadays surprises me!”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who is also with veterans in Normandy but is hoping to pick up Tory voters in the election, attacked the prime minister for his decision.
He posted on X (formerly Twitter): “The Prime Minister has ducked out of the international D-Day event to fly back to the UK to campaign.I am here in Normandy in a personal capacity because I think it matters. Does he?”
The prime minister had appeared with British veterans at a “heroes welcome” event this morning, gaving a short speech before returning home.
In missing the event at Omaha beach, where the Americans landed and some of the fiercest fighting took place 80 years ago today, Mr Sunak also lost the opportunity to join President Voldymyr Zelensky, who reminded leaders that they have another war on Europe’s front with Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
Starmer and Shapps attended the Omaha beach event
What the f***?
Did Sunak actually duck out of meeting Zelensky on Omaha Beach, while leaving Starmer there to meet the Ukranians?
Whom the Gods would destroy, they first make mad. Another few days of this and the Tories really will be circling the plughole.
More on the effects of the crashing Nigerian economy:
Nigerian students hit by a financial crisis make up the majority of clients at a food charity, its manager has said.
An economic crash in Nigeria left international students struggling to afford tuition fees, with some at Teesside University blocked from their studies and ordered to return home.
Manager Debbie Fixter said 75% of clients at Thornaby's Sprouts Community Food Charity (SCFC) were affected students and the situation had pushed it to "maximum capacity".
I was mocked by @BartholomewRoberts earlier today when I suggested that this could become the story. Just saying
No you weren’t. He just disagreed with you.
Not really. A bunch of MPs most members of the public have never heard of is so niche it's something only politics nerds would care about. And politics nerds have enough stories.
Fair enough. Mocked was the wrong word. Apologies.
"According to our model, there are just four seats in England where the Tories can expect to receive more than 40 per cent of the vote.
Their top share in England (in Scotland, another three seats scrape over 40 per cent) is in Stoke-on-Trent South, where they are forecast to receive 41 per cent, but even here, Labour is forecast to edge a close victory, with 42 per cent of the vote. The same is true of Dudley (where they lose 40 to 41) and Bassetlaw (where they lose 40 to 43). Even in the places with the highest number of people prepared to vote Conservative, they are in critical danger."
I am simply astonished at the idiotic action of Sunak today.
What was he thinking - no correct that, he wasn't and who on earth is advising him?
Rishi Sunak has been told that he has “misjudged the mood of the nation” by deciding to return early from the D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations to campaign in the general election.
And he has been warned that he appears to have already handed the mantle of prime minister to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer who joined veterans this afternoon in Normandy.
The criticism from Gulf War veteran Colonel Stuart Crawford came after Mr Sunak decided not to attend the major gathering of world leaders with veterans at Omaha beach this afternoon.
A Conservative source confirmed that he had returned to campaign in the election instead.
In contrast, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who is the odds-on favourite to win the election and be prime minister on 5 July, was at the event, mingling with world leaders including President Joe Biden, President Emmanuel Macron and King Charles. Asked whether it was a mistake for the prime minister to miss the event, Col Crawford, who served for 20 years in the Royal Tank Regiment, said: “I think Mr Sunak misjudges the mood of the nation by doing so.
“It’s a solemn occasion and sadly the last major anniversary of the landings, which will feature many of the surviving veterans.
“Campaigning for an election which everyone knows he’s going to lose anyway is a poor excuse.
“He should be there with the others, and his absence and Starmer’s presence makes it look as if he’s passed the premiership to Sir Keir already.”
Foreign secretary Lord Cameron and defence secretary Grant Shapps represented the Tory government at the event.
There was criticism from other quarters too. Former first sea lord Admiral Lord West told The Independent: “Nothing politicians do nowadays surprises me!”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who is also with veterans in Normandy but is hoping to pick up Tory voters in the election, attacked the prime minister for his decision.
He posted on X (formerly Twitter): “The Prime Minister has ducked out of the international D-Day event to fly back to the UK to campaign.I am here in Normandy in a personal capacity because I think it matters. Does he?”
The prime minister had appeared with British veterans at a “heroes welcome” event this morning, gaving a short speech before returning home.
In missing the event at Omaha beach, where the Americans landed and some of the fiercest fighting took place 80 years ago today, Mr Sunak also lost the opportunity to join President Voldymyr Zelensky, who reminded leaders that they have another war on Europe’s front with Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
Starmer and Shapps attended the Omaha beach event
What the f***?
Did Sunak actually duck out of meeting Zelensky on Omaha Beach, while leaving Starmer there to meet the Ukranians?
Yes and David Cameron deputised
Sunak has just lost me 100%
...whereas up until now you felt he was doing a good job?
The people most outraged by Sunak bailing out of Normandy early will be Tory and Reform voters. So it’s not only completely disrespectful, it’s turbocharged political ineptitude. So, very typical of the man.
I am simply astonished at the idiotic action of Sunak today.
What was he thinking - no correct that, he wasn't and who on earth is advising him?
Rishi Sunak has been told that he has “misjudged the mood of the nation” by deciding to return early from the D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations to campaign in the general election.
And he has been warned that he appears to have already handed the mantle of prime minister to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer who joined veterans this afternoon in Normandy.
The criticism from Gulf War veteran Colonel Stuart Crawford came after Mr Sunak decided not to attend the major gathering of world leaders with veterans at Omaha beach this afternoon.
A Conservative source confirmed that he had returned to campaign in the election instead.
In contrast, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who is the odds-on favourite to win the election and be prime minister on 5 July, was at the event, mingling with world leaders including President Joe Biden, President Emmanuel Macron and King Charles. Asked whether it was a mistake for the prime minister to miss the event, Col Crawford, who served for 20 years in the Royal Tank Regiment, said: “I think Mr Sunak misjudges the mood of the nation by doing so.
“It’s a solemn occasion and sadly the last major anniversary of the landings, which will feature many of the surviving veterans.
“Campaigning for an election which everyone knows he’s going to lose anyway is a poor excuse.
“He should be there with the others, and his absence and Starmer’s presence makes it look as if he’s passed the premiership to Sir Keir already.”
Foreign secretary Lord Cameron and defence secretary Grant Shapps represented the Tory government at the event.
There was criticism from other quarters too. Former first sea lord Admiral Lord West told The Independent: “Nothing politicians do nowadays surprises me!”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who is also with veterans in Normandy but is hoping to pick up Tory voters in the election, attacked the prime minister for his decision.
He posted on X (formerly Twitter): “The Prime Minister has ducked out of the international D-Day event to fly back to the UK to campaign.I am here in Normandy in a personal capacity because I think it matters. Does he?”
The prime minister had appeared with British veterans at a “heroes welcome” event this morning, gaving a short speech before returning home.
In missing the event at Omaha beach, where the Americans landed and some of the fiercest fighting took place 80 years ago today, Mr Sunak also lost the opportunity to join President Voldymyr Zelensky, who reminded leaders that they have another war on Europe’s front with Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
Starmer and Shapps attended the Omaha beach event
What the f***?
Did Sunak actually duck out of meeting Zelensky on Omaha Beach, while leaving Starmer there to meet the Ukranians?
Yes and David Cameron deputised
Sunak has just lost me 100%
I'm not a fan of the fella but it's not like he didn't go to Normandy, he attended this mornings service and gave a speech.
I am simply astonished at the idiotic action of Sunak today.
What was he thinking - no correct that, he wasn't and who on earth is advising him?
Rishi Sunak has been told that he has “misjudged the mood of the nation” by deciding to return early from the D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations to campaign in the general election.
And he has been warned that he appears to have already handed the mantle of prime minister to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer who joined veterans this afternoon in Normandy.
The criticism from Gulf War veteran Colonel Stuart Crawford came after Mr Sunak decided not to attend the major gathering of world leaders with veterans at Omaha beach this afternoon.
A Conservative source confirmed that he had returned to campaign in the election instead.
In contrast, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who is the odds-on favourite to win the election and be prime minister on 5 July, was at the event, mingling with world leaders including President Joe Biden, President Emmanuel Macron and King Charles. Asked whether it was a mistake for the prime minister to miss the event, Col Crawford, who served for 20 years in the Royal Tank Regiment, said: “I think Mr Sunak misjudges the mood of the nation by doing so.
“It’s a solemn occasion and sadly the last major anniversary of the landings, which will feature many of the surviving veterans.
“Campaigning for an election which everyone knows he’s going to lose anyway is a poor excuse.
“He should be there with the others, and his absence and Starmer’s presence makes it look as if he’s passed the premiership to Sir Keir already.”
Foreign secretary Lord Cameron and defence secretary Grant Shapps represented the Tory government at the event.
There was criticism from other quarters too. Former first sea lord Admiral Lord West told The Independent: “Nothing politicians do nowadays surprises me!”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who is also with veterans in Normandy but is hoping to pick up Tory voters in the election, attacked the prime minister for his decision.
He posted on X (formerly Twitter): “The Prime Minister has ducked out of the international D-Day event to fly back to the UK to campaign.I am here in Normandy in a personal capacity because I think it matters. Does he?”
The prime minister had appeared with British veterans at a “heroes welcome” event this morning, gaving a short speech before returning home.
In missing the event at Omaha beach, where the Americans landed and some of the fiercest fighting took place 80 years ago today, Mr Sunak also lost the opportunity to join President Voldymyr Zelensky, who reminded leaders that they have another war on Europe’s front with Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
Starmer and Shapps attended the Omaha beach event
That is outrageous. It will also piss off the only segment of voters still mildly favourable to the Tories.
One seriously has to wonder if he has a political death wish.
I started this election just about persuadable into voting Tory, but I needed some good reasons to get me to that. So far the Tory leadership is doing everything to push me to vote elsewhere.
Well if "ToryJim" isn't voting Tory ...
Jim is - weirdly given his username - arguably the most fair and balanced analyst on here!
More on the effects of the crashing Nigerian economy:
Nigerian students hit by a financial crisis make up the majority of clients at a food charity, its manager has said.
An economic crash in Nigeria left international students struggling to afford tuition fees, with some at Teesside University blocked from their studies and ordered to return home.
Manager Debbie Fixter said 75% of clients at Thornaby's Sprouts Community Food Charity (SCFC) were affected students and the situation had pushed it to "maximum capacity".
It’s v plez. I’m going to SPUNK my one photo on my dinner. As it were. A fantastic grilled dorade with lovely white wine on the Black Sea. I can see towers missiled by Putin from where I type this. Blackened hulks. And yet the douceur du vivre abides. God bless the Ukes. Slava Ukraini!!!!
Any news on the frontline venture?
I have several choices
1. Go to actual frontline at Kherson complete with flak jacket and hear actual missiles landing
But then I’ve heard bits of missiles landing ON MY ROAD sufficient to cause minor detonations so… what’s the point? The war is here. It is in Odessa, and it really is. This is an air/drone war as much as anything else and I can see it right here, from my nice seafood restaurants
2. Stay here. Nice seafood restaurants! Fascinating and dreamy Odessa. The lack of power and often internet is a bitch but you get used to it, maybe, somehow. Disadvantage, I have to go home via Chisinau and I am done with that bus journey and Chisinau is boring
3. Go insane and go to Kharkiv and face even more missiles but without the seafood restaurants and less power
4. (My fave at the mo). couple more days in Odessa eating fish and dodging drones and then do Kyiv. Never been. Am fascinated. What is the great city of Kyiv like right now? Another plus: I can avoid Chisinau and go home via beautiful Lviv then Cracow
What would Hemingway have done?
Go to the front line. See it with your own eyes. You may end up writing the next Farewell to Arms...
One of Hemingway's WW2 exploits, was liberating the bar at the Ritz in Paris. Shortly before (or maybe after) he paid a visit to Gertrude Stein & Alice B. Toklas.
It’s v plez. I’m going to SPUNK my one photo on my dinner. As it were. A fantastic grilled dorade with lovely white wine on the Black Sea. I can see towers missiled by Putin from where I type this. Blackened hulks. And yet the douceur du vivre abides. God bless the Ukes. Slava Ukraini!!!!
Any news on the frontline venture?
I have several choices
1. Go to actual frontline at Kherson complete with flak jacket and hear actual missiles landing
But then I’ve heard bits of missiles landing ON MY ROAD sufficient to cause minor detonations so… what’s the point? The war is here. It is in Odessa, and it really is. This is an air/drone war as much as anything else and I can see it right here, from my nice seafood restaurants
2. Stay here. Nice seafood restaurants! Fascinating and dreamy Odessa. The lack of power and often internet is a bitch but you get used to it, maybe, somehow. Disadvantage, I have to go home via Chisinau and I am done with that bus journey and Chisinau is boring
3. Go insane and go to Kharkiv and face even more missiles but without the seafood restaurants and less power
4. (My fave at the mo). couple more days in Odessa eating fish and dodging drones and then do Kyiv. Never been. Am fascinated. What is the great city of Kyiv like right now? Another plus: I can avoid Chisinau and go home via beautiful Lviv then Cracow
What would Hemingway have done?
Go to the front line. See it with your own eyes. You may end up writing the next Farewell to Arms...
I am simply astonished at the idiotic action of Sunak today.
What was he thinking - no correct that, he wasn't and who on earth is advising him?
Rishi Sunak has been told that he has “misjudged the mood of the nation” by deciding to return early from the D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations to campaign in the general election.
And he has been warned that he appears to have already handed the mantle of prime minister to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer who joined veterans this afternoon in Normandy.
The criticism from Gulf War veteran Colonel Stuart Crawford came after Mr Sunak decided not to attend the major gathering of world leaders with veterans at Omaha beach this afternoon.
A Conservative source confirmed that he had returned to campaign in the election instead.
In contrast, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who is the odds-on favourite to win the election and be prime minister on 5 July, was at the event, mingling with world leaders including President Joe Biden, President Emmanuel Macron and King Charles. Asked whether it was a mistake for the prime minister to miss the event, Col Crawford, who served for 20 years in the Royal Tank Regiment, said: “I think Mr Sunak misjudges the mood of the nation by doing so.
“It’s a solemn occasion and sadly the last major anniversary of the landings, which will feature many of the surviving veterans.
“Campaigning for an election which everyone knows he’s going to lose anyway is a poor excuse.
“He should be there with the others, and his absence and Starmer’s presence makes it look as if he’s passed the premiership to Sir Keir already.”
Foreign secretary Lord Cameron and defence secretary Grant Shapps represented the Tory government at the event.
There was criticism from other quarters too. Former first sea lord Admiral Lord West told The Independent: “Nothing politicians do nowadays surprises me!”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who is also with veterans in Normandy but is hoping to pick up Tory voters in the election, attacked the prime minister for his decision.
He posted on X (formerly Twitter): “The Prime Minister has ducked out of the international D-Day event to fly back to the UK to campaign.I am here in Normandy in a personal capacity because I think it matters. Does he?”
The prime minister had appeared with British veterans at a “heroes welcome” event this morning, gaving a short speech before returning home.
In missing the event at Omaha beach, where the Americans landed and some of the fiercest fighting took place 80 years ago today, Mr Sunak also lost the opportunity to join President Voldymyr Zelensky, who reminded leaders that they have another war on Europe’s front with Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
Starmer and Shapps attended the Omaha beach event
That is outrageous. It will also piss off the only segment of voters still mildly favourable to the Tories.
One seriously has to wonder if he has a political death wish.
I started this election just about persuadable into voting Tory, but I needed some good reasons to get me to that. So far the Tory leadership is doing everything to push me to vote elsewhere.
Well if "ToryJim" isn't voting Tory ...
Remember it was me who posted the report when others may have not
Probably one of Sunak's remaining few loyalist on here but not anymore
I am simply astonished at the idiotic action of Sunak today.
What was he thinking - no correct that, he wasn't and who on earth is advising him?
Rishi Sunak has been told that he has “misjudged the mood of the nation” by deciding to return early from the D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations to campaign in the general election.
And he has been warned that he appears to have already handed the mantle of prime minister to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer who joined veterans this afternoon in Normandy.
The criticism from Gulf War veteran Colonel Stuart Crawford came after Mr Sunak decided not to attend the major gathering of world leaders with veterans at Omaha beach this afternoon.
A Conservative source confirmed that he had returned to campaign in the election instead.
In contrast, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who is the odds-on favourite to win the election and be prime minister on 5 July, was at the event, mingling with world leaders including President Joe Biden, President Emmanuel Macron and King Charles. Asked whether it was a mistake for the prime minister to miss the event, Col Crawford, who served for 20 years in the Royal Tank Regiment, said: “I think Mr Sunak misjudges the mood of the nation by doing so.
“It’s a solemn occasion and sadly the last major anniversary of the landings, which will feature many of the surviving veterans.
“Campaigning for an election which everyone knows he’s going to lose anyway is a poor excuse.
“He should be there with the others, and his absence and Starmer’s presence makes it look as if he’s passed the premiership to Sir Keir already.”
Foreign secretary Lord Cameron and defence secretary Grant Shapps represented the Tory government at the event.
There was criticism from other quarters too. Former first sea lord Admiral Lord West told The Independent: “Nothing politicians do nowadays surprises me!”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who is also with veterans in Normandy but is hoping to pick up Tory voters in the election, attacked the prime minister for his decision.
He posted on X (formerly Twitter): “The Prime Minister has ducked out of the international D-Day event to fly back to the UK to campaign.I am here in Normandy in a personal capacity because I think it matters. Does he?”
The prime minister had appeared with British veterans at a “heroes welcome” event this morning, gaving a short speech before returning home.
In missing the event at Omaha beach, where the Americans landed and some of the fiercest fighting took place 80 years ago today, Mr Sunak also lost the opportunity to join President Voldymyr Zelensky, who reminded leaders that they have another war on Europe’s front with Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
I am simply astonished at the idiotic action of Sunak today.
What was he thinking - no correct that, he wasn't and who on earth is advising him?
Rishi Sunak has been told that he has “misjudged the mood of the nation” by deciding to return early from the D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations to campaign in the general election.
And he has been warned that he appears to have already handed the mantle of prime minister to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer who joined veterans this afternoon in Normandy.
The criticism from Gulf War veteran Colonel Stuart Crawford came after Mr Sunak decided not to attend the major gathering of world leaders with veterans at Omaha beach this afternoon.
A Conservative source confirmed that he had returned to campaign in the election instead.
In contrast, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who is the odds-on favourite to win the election and be prime minister on 5 July, was at the event, mingling with world leaders including President Joe Biden, President Emmanuel Macron and King Charles. Asked whether it was a mistake for the prime minister to miss the event, Col Crawford, who served for 20 years in the Royal Tank Regiment, said: “I think Mr Sunak misjudges the mood of the nation by doing so.
“It’s a solemn occasion and sadly the last major anniversary of the landings, which will feature many of the surviving veterans.
“Campaigning for an election which everyone knows he’s going to lose anyway is a poor excuse.
“He should be there with the others, and his absence and Starmer’s presence makes it look as if he’s passed the premiership to Sir Keir already.”
Foreign secretary Lord Cameron and defence secretary Grant Shapps represented the Tory government at the event.
There was criticism from other quarters too. Former first sea lord Admiral Lord West told The Independent: “Nothing politicians do nowadays surprises me!”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who is also with veterans in Normandy but is hoping to pick up Tory voters in the election, attacked the prime minister for his decision.
He posted on X (formerly Twitter): “The Prime Minister has ducked out of the international D-Day event to fly back to the UK to campaign.I am here in Normandy in a personal capacity because I think it matters. Does he?”
The prime minister had appeared with British veterans at a “heroes welcome” event this morning, gaving a short speech before returning home.
In missing the event at Omaha beach, where the Americans landed and some of the fiercest fighting took place 80 years ago today, Mr Sunak also lost the opportunity to join President Voldymyr Zelensky, who reminded leaders that they have another war on Europe’s front with Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
Starmer and Shapps attended the Omaha beach event
Wow!
Where's that quote from Big_G?
To be honest I am so annoyed I cannot recall but it was a summary of today's celebrations of D day
Nobody has been more loyal to Sunak than myself but that's it - I am done and frankly just want this over and to see Starmer in no 10
So, is it Labour or Plaid Cymru for you later this month then?
No - but possible Lib dem
Huh, my gut instinct was that they were absolutely nowhere in your constituency. Seems they were third on the old boundaries! I didn't realise.
I am simply astonished at the idiotic action of Sunak today.
What was he thinking - no correct that, he wasn't and who on earth is advising him?
Rishi Sunak has been told that he has “misjudged the mood of the nation” by deciding to return early from the D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations to campaign in the general election.
And he has been warned that he appears to have already handed the mantle of prime minister to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer who joined veterans this afternoon in Normandy.
The criticism from Gulf War veteran Colonel Stuart Crawford came after Mr Sunak decided not to attend the major gathering of world leaders with veterans at Omaha beach this afternoon.
A Conservative source confirmed that he had returned to campaign in the election instead.
In contrast, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who is the odds-on favourite to win the election and be prime minister on 5 July, was at the event, mingling with world leaders including President Joe Biden, President Emmanuel Macron and King Charles. Asked whether it was a mistake for the prime minister to miss the event, Col Crawford, who served for 20 years in the Royal Tank Regiment, said: “I think Mr Sunak misjudges the mood of the nation by doing so.
“It’s a solemn occasion and sadly the last major anniversary of the landings, which will feature many of the surviving veterans.
“Campaigning for an election which everyone knows he’s going to lose anyway is a poor excuse.
“He should be there with the others, and his absence and Starmer’s presence makes it look as if he’s passed the premiership to Sir Keir already.”
Foreign secretary Lord Cameron and defence secretary Grant Shapps represented the Tory government at the event.
There was criticism from other quarters too. Former first sea lord Admiral Lord West told The Independent: “Nothing politicians do nowadays surprises me!”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who is also with veterans in Normandy but is hoping to pick up Tory voters in the election, attacked the prime minister for his decision.
He posted on X (formerly Twitter): “The Prime Minister has ducked out of the international D-Day event to fly back to the UK to campaign.I am here in Normandy in a personal capacity because I think it matters. Does he?”
The prime minister had appeared with British veterans at a “heroes welcome” event this morning, gaving a short speech before returning home.
In missing the event at Omaha beach, where the Americans landed and some of the fiercest fighting took place 80 years ago today, Mr Sunak also lost the opportunity to join President Voldymyr Zelensky, who reminded leaders that they have another war on Europe’s front with Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
Starmer and Shapps attended the Omaha beach event
What the f***?
Did Sunak actually duck out of meeting Zelensky on Omaha Beach, while leaving Starmer there to meet the Ukranians?
Yes and David Cameron deputised
Sunak has just lost me 100%
I'm not a fan of the fella but it's not like he didn't go to Normandy, he attended this mornings service and gave a speech.
It was just shocking seeing Biden, Macron, Scholtz together with Sunak but no, he sent David Cameron and the photo shoot was dreadful
More on the effects of the crashing Nigerian economy:
Nigerian students hit by a financial crisis make up the majority of clients at a food charity, its manager has said.
An economic crash in Nigeria left international students struggling to afford tuition fees, with some at Teesside University blocked from their studies and ordered to return home.
Manager Debbie Fixter said 75% of clients at Thornaby's Sprouts Community Food Charity (SCFC) were affected students and the situation had pushed it to "maximum capacity".
I am simply astonished at the idiotic action of Sunak today.
What was he thinking - no correct that, he wasn't and who on earth is advising him?
Rishi Sunak has been told that he has “misjudged the mood of the nation” by deciding to return early from the D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations to campaign in the general election.
And he has been warned that he appears to have already handed the mantle of prime minister to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer who joined veterans this afternoon in Normandy.
The criticism from Gulf War veteran Colonel Stuart Crawford came after Mr Sunak decided not to attend the major gathering of world leaders with veterans at Omaha beach this afternoon.
A Conservative source confirmed that he had returned to campaign in the election instead.
In contrast, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who is the odds-on favourite to win the election and be prime minister on 5 July, was at the event, mingling with world leaders including President Joe Biden, President Emmanuel Macron and King Charles. Asked whether it was a mistake for the prime minister to miss the event, Col Crawford, who served for 20 years in the Royal Tank Regiment, said: “I think Mr Sunak misjudges the mood of the nation by doing so.
“It’s a solemn occasion and sadly the last major anniversary of the landings, which will feature many of the surviving veterans.
“Campaigning for an election which everyone knows he’s going to lose anyway is a poor excuse.
“He should be there with the others, and his absence and Starmer’s presence makes it look as if he’s passed the premiership to Sir Keir already.”
Foreign secretary Lord Cameron and defence secretary Grant Shapps represented the Tory government at the event.
There was criticism from other quarters too. Former first sea lord Admiral Lord West told The Independent: “Nothing politicians do nowadays surprises me!”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who is also with veterans in Normandy but is hoping to pick up Tory voters in the election, attacked the prime minister for his decision.
He posted on X (formerly Twitter): “The Prime Minister has ducked out of the international D-Day event to fly back to the UK to campaign.I am here in Normandy in a personal capacity because I think it matters. Does he?”
The prime minister had appeared with British veterans at a “heroes welcome” event this morning, gaving a short speech before returning home.
In missing the event at Omaha beach, where the Americans landed and some of the fiercest fighting took place 80 years ago today, Mr Sunak also lost the opportunity to join President Voldymyr Zelensky, who reminded leaders that they have another war on Europe’s front with Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
Starmer and Shapps attended the Omaha beach event
What the f***?
Did Sunak actually duck out of meeting Zelensky on Omaha Beach, while leaving Starmer there to meet the Ukranians?
Yes and David Cameron deputised
Sunak has just lost me 100%
Has anyone heard any voter say the words “I am voting for Rishi”.
I understand life long Tories voting for their MP. I understand voting Tory to avoid a silly Labour majority. But voting for him?
Does Sunak not realise that being in Normandy as PM is about the best thing he could do to help his chances in the election?
I am genuinely awestruck at how politically inept Sunak clearing off early is. It's exactly what you would expect of someone who has no sense of the country he governs or interest in it.
Interesting gender divide emerging. Which way will female don’t knows break?
Interesting.
I have a view that might be sexist, so feel free to tell me I'm wrong: women are more likely to be centrist and less prone to extremism. This chart maybe mildly supports that idea. Am I wrong?
I am simply astonished at the idiotic action of Sunak today.
What was he thinking - no correct that, he wasn't and who on earth is advising him?
Rishi Sunak has been told that he has “misjudged the mood of the nation” by deciding to return early from the D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations to campaign in the general election.
And he has been warned that he appears to have already handed the mantle of prime minister to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer who joined veterans this afternoon in Normandy.
The criticism from Gulf War veteran Colonel Stuart Crawford came after Mr Sunak decided not to attend the major gathering of world leaders with veterans at Omaha beach this afternoon.
A Conservative source confirmed that he had returned to campaign in the election instead.
In contrast, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who is the odds-on favourite to win the election and be prime minister on 5 July, was at the event, mingling with world leaders including President Joe Biden, President Emmanuel Macron and King Charles. Asked whether it was a mistake for the prime minister to miss the event, Col Crawford, who served for 20 years in the Royal Tank Regiment, said: “I think Mr Sunak misjudges the mood of the nation by doing so.
“It’s a solemn occasion and sadly the last major anniversary of the landings, which will feature many of the surviving veterans.
“Campaigning for an election which everyone knows he’s going to lose anyway is a poor excuse.
“He should be there with the others, and his absence and Starmer’s presence makes it look as if he’s passed the premiership to Sir Keir already.”
Foreign secretary Lord Cameron and defence secretary Grant Shapps represented the Tory government at the event.
There was criticism from other quarters too. Former first sea lord Admiral Lord West told The Independent: “Nothing politicians do nowadays surprises me!”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who is also with veterans in Normandy but is hoping to pick up Tory voters in the election, attacked the prime minister for his decision.
He posted on X (formerly Twitter): “The Prime Minister has ducked out of the international D-Day event to fly back to the UK to campaign.I am here in Normandy in a personal capacity because I think it matters. Does he?”
The prime minister had appeared with British veterans at a “heroes welcome” event this morning, gaving a short speech before returning home.
In missing the event at Omaha beach, where the Americans landed and some of the fiercest fighting took place 80 years ago today, Mr Sunak also lost the opportunity to join President Voldymyr Zelensky, who reminded leaders that they have another war on Europe’s front with Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
I am simply astonished at the idiotic action of Sunak today.
What was he thinking - no correct that, he wasn't and who on earth is advising him?
Rishi Sunak has been told that he has “misjudged the mood of the nation” by deciding to return early from the D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations to campaign in the general election.
And he has been warned that he appears to have already handed the mantle of prime minister to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer who joined veterans this afternoon in Normandy.
The criticism from Gulf War veteran Colonel Stuart Crawford came after Mr Sunak decided not to attend the major gathering of world leaders with veterans at Omaha beach this afternoon.
A Conservative source confirmed that he had returned to campaign in the election instead.
In contrast, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who is the odds-on favourite to win the election and be prime minister on 5 July, was at the event, mingling with world leaders including President Joe Biden, President Emmanuel Macron and King Charles. Asked whether it was a mistake for the prime minister to miss the event, Col Crawford, who served for 20 years in the Royal Tank Regiment, said: “I think Mr Sunak misjudges the mood of the nation by doing so.
“It’s a solemn occasion and sadly the last major anniversary of the landings, which will feature many of the surviving veterans.
“Campaigning for an election which everyone knows he’s going to lose anyway is a poor excuse.
“He should be there with the others, and his absence and Starmer’s presence makes it look as if he’s passed the premiership to Sir Keir already.”
Foreign secretary Lord Cameron and defence secretary Grant Shapps represented the Tory government at the event.
There was criticism from other quarters too. Former first sea lord Admiral Lord West told The Independent: “Nothing politicians do nowadays surprises me!”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who is also with veterans in Normandy but is hoping to pick up Tory voters in the election, attacked the prime minister for his decision.
He posted on X (formerly Twitter): “The Prime Minister has ducked out of the international D-Day event to fly back to the UK to campaign.I am here in Normandy in a personal capacity because I think it matters. Does he?”
The prime minister had appeared with British veterans at a “heroes welcome” event this morning, gaving a short speech before returning home.
In missing the event at Omaha beach, where the Americans landed and some of the fiercest fighting took place 80 years ago today, Mr Sunak also lost the opportunity to join President Voldymyr Zelensky, who reminded leaders that they have another war on Europe’s front with Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
Starmer and Shapps attended the Omaha beach event
Wow!
Where's that quote from Big_G?
To be honest I am so annoyed I cannot recall but it was a summary of today's celebrations of D day
Nobody has been more loyal to Sunak than myself but that's it - I am done and frankly just want this over and to see Starmer in no 10
So, is it Labour or Plaid Cymru for you later this month then?
No - but possible Lib dem
Huh, my gut instinct was that they were absolutely nowhere in your constituency. Seems they were third on the old boundaries! I didn't realise.
I do want to vote in what could be my last election so lib dems very likely
I am simply astonished at the idiotic action of Sunak today.
What was he thinking - no correct that, he wasn't and who on earth is advising him?
Rishi Sunak has been told that he has “misjudged the mood of the nation” by deciding to return early from the D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations to campaign in the general election.
And he has been warned that he appears to have already handed the mantle of prime minister to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer who joined veterans this afternoon in Normandy.
The criticism from Gulf War veteran Colonel Stuart Crawford came after Mr Sunak decided not to attend the major gathering of world leaders with veterans at Omaha beach this afternoon.
A Conservative source confirmed that he had returned to campaign in the election instead.
In contrast, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who is the odds-on favourite to win the election and be prime minister on 5 July, was at the event, mingling with world leaders including President Joe Biden, President Emmanuel Macron and King Charles. Asked whether it was a mistake for the prime minister to miss the event, Col Crawford, who served for 20 years in the Royal Tank Regiment, said: “I think Mr Sunak misjudges the mood of the nation by doing so.
“It’s a solemn occasion and sadly the last major anniversary of the landings, which will feature many of the surviving veterans.
“Campaigning for an election which everyone knows he’s going to lose anyway is a poor excuse.
“He should be there with the others, and his absence and Starmer’s presence makes it look as if he’s passed the premiership to Sir Keir already.”
Foreign secretary Lord Cameron and defence secretary Grant Shapps represented the Tory government at the event.
There was criticism from other quarters too. Former first sea lord Admiral Lord West told The Independent: “Nothing politicians do nowadays surprises me!”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who is also with veterans in Normandy but is hoping to pick up Tory voters in the election, attacked the prime minister for his decision.
He posted on X (formerly Twitter): “The Prime Minister has ducked out of the international D-Day event to fly back to the UK to campaign.I am here in Normandy in a personal capacity because I think it matters. Does he?”
The prime minister had appeared with British veterans at a “heroes welcome” event this morning, gaving a short speech before returning home.
In missing the event at Omaha beach, where the Americans landed and some of the fiercest fighting took place 80 years ago today, Mr Sunak also lost the opportunity to join President Voldymyr Zelensky, who reminded leaders that they have another war on Europe’s front with Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
Starmer and Shapps attended the Omaha beach event
What the f***?
Did Sunak actually duck out of meeting Zelensky on Omaha Beach, while leaving Starmer there to meet the Ukranians?
Yes and David Cameron deputised
Sunak has just lost me 100%
I'm not a fan of the fella but it's not like he didn't go to Normandy, he attended this mornings service and gave a speech.
It was just shocking seeing Biden, Macron, Scholtz together with Sunak but no, he sent David Cameron and the photo shoot was dreadful
I understand that but the day is about marking amd commemorating events of 80 years ago and meeting veterans which he did at this mornings service. There have been many services, it's not like the one at Omaha had more gravitas or was 'the main one', they all were
Does Sunak not realise that being in Normandy as PM is about the best thing he could do to help his chances in the election?
I am genuinely awestruck at how politically inept Sunak clearing off early is. It's exactly what you would expect of someone who has no sense of the country he governs or interest in it.
I am simply astonished at the idiotic action of Sunak today.
What was he thinking - no correct that, he wasn't and who on earth is advising him?
Rishi Sunak has been told that he has “misjudged the mood of the nation” by deciding to return early from the D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations to campaign in the general election.
And he has been warned that he appears to have already handed the mantle of prime minister to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer who joined veterans this afternoon in Normandy.
The criticism from Gulf War veteran Colonel Stuart Crawford came after Mr Sunak decided not to attend the major gathering of world leaders with veterans at Omaha beach this afternoon.
A Conservative source confirmed that he had returned to campaign in the election instead.
In contrast, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who is the odds-on favourite to win the election and be prime minister on 5 July, was at the event, mingling with world leaders including President Joe Biden, President Emmanuel Macron and King Charles. Asked whether it was a mistake for the prime minister to miss the event, Col Crawford, who served for 20 years in the Royal Tank Regiment, said: “I think Mr Sunak misjudges the mood of the nation by doing so.
“It’s a solemn occasion and sadly the last major anniversary of the landings, which will feature many of the surviving veterans.
“Campaigning for an election which everyone knows he’s going to lose anyway is a poor excuse.
“He should be there with the others, and his absence and Starmer’s presence makes it look as if he’s passed the premiership to Sir Keir already.”
Foreign secretary Lord Cameron and defence secretary Grant Shapps represented the Tory government at the event.
There was criticism from other quarters too. Former first sea lord Admiral Lord West told The Independent: “Nothing politicians do nowadays surprises me!”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who is also with veterans in Normandy but is hoping to pick up Tory voters in the election, attacked the prime minister for his decision.
He posted on X (formerly Twitter): “The Prime Minister has ducked out of the international D-Day event to fly back to the UK to campaign.I am here in Normandy in a personal capacity because I think it matters. Does he?”
The prime minister had appeared with British veterans at a “heroes welcome” event this morning, gaving a short speech before returning home.
In missing the event at Omaha beach, where the Americans landed and some of the fiercest fighting took place 80 years ago today, Mr Sunak also lost the opportunity to join President Voldymyr Zelensky, who reminded leaders that they have another war on Europe’s front with Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
I am simply astonished at the idiotic action of Sunak today.
What was he thinking - no correct that, he wasn't and who on earth is advising him?
Rishi Sunak has been told that he has “misjudged the mood of the nation” by deciding to return early from the D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations to campaign in the general election.
And he has been warned that he appears to have already handed the mantle of prime minister to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer who joined veterans this afternoon in Normandy.
The criticism from Gulf War veteran Colonel Stuart Crawford came after Mr Sunak decided not to attend the major gathering of world leaders with veterans at Omaha beach this afternoon.
A Conservative source confirmed that he had returned to campaign in the election instead.
In contrast, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who is the odds-on favourite to win the election and be prime minister on 5 July, was at the event, mingling with world leaders including President Joe Biden, President Emmanuel Macron and King Charles. Asked whether it was a mistake for the prime minister to miss the event, Col Crawford, who served for 20 years in the Royal Tank Regiment, said: “I think Mr Sunak misjudges the mood of the nation by doing so.
“It’s a solemn occasion and sadly the last major anniversary of the landings, which will feature many of the surviving veterans.
“Campaigning for an election which everyone knows he’s going to lose anyway is a poor excuse.
“He should be there with the others, and his absence and Starmer’s presence makes it look as if he’s passed the premiership to Sir Keir already.”
Foreign secretary Lord Cameron and defence secretary Grant Shapps represented the Tory government at the event.
There was criticism from other quarters too. Former first sea lord Admiral Lord West told The Independent: “Nothing politicians do nowadays surprises me!”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who is also with veterans in Normandy but is hoping to pick up Tory voters in the election, attacked the prime minister for his decision.
He posted on X (formerly Twitter): “The Prime Minister has ducked out of the international D-Day event to fly back to the UK to campaign.I am here in Normandy in a personal capacity because I think it matters. Does he?”
The prime minister had appeared with British veterans at a “heroes welcome” event this morning, gaving a short speech before returning home.
In missing the event at Omaha beach, where the Americans landed and some of the fiercest fighting took place 80 years ago today, Mr Sunak also lost the opportunity to join President Voldymyr Zelensky, who reminded leaders that they have another war on Europe’s front with Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
Starmer and Shapps attended the Omaha beach event
Wow!
Where's that quote from Big_G?
To be honest I am so annoyed I cannot recall but it was a summary of today's celebrations of D day
Nobody has been more loyal to Sunak than myself but that's it - I am done and frankly just want this over and to see Starmer in no 10
So, is it Labour or Plaid Cymru for you later this month then?
No - but possible Lib dem
Huh, my gut instinct was that they were absolutely nowhere in your constituency. Seems they were third on the old boundaries! I didn't realise.
I do want to vote in what could be my last election so lib dems very likely
Oh shut up with that bollocks. You've got another few elections in you.
F/w 5th - 6th June. Changes vs. 27th May 2024. 1,056 adults in Great Britain.
Plus 7 but only -1 Tories.......... 2019 Con Lab switchers going reform??
Yes, it's a mistake to think that Tory and Reform voters are fungible. In very special circumstances in 2019 Boris managed to attract both tribes, but in my view most Reform voters are normally Tory-sceptic if not outright Tory-hostile.
I view them as our equivalent (although thankfully a pale imitation both in nature and number) of the Trump MAGA base in the US.
Which of course is made up of a significant proportion of traditional democrat voters.
The shift is less right / left, more the winners vs losers of globalisation. The losers have tried all the traditional parties / politicians, are pissed off and willing to kick over the apple cart. That's Trump, that's Brexit, maybe now Farage.
And traditional non voters. The common thread isn't left right as you say. IMO it's shallowness, stupidity, ignorance and gullibility. They have these traits to a relatively high degree. But the political leaders exploiting them, the likes of Trump and Farage, are (usually) creatures of the right. Not always though. Eg you get your Galloway and Melenchon types trying to make waves in that space too. Overripe old men of the trad left who mix backward statist economics with backward social attitudes. Either way, it's sad.
Your second sentence - those characteristics aren't exactly absent from traditional parties' voters. As with Corbyn's voters - these people aren't voting Farage because they are wrong or misguided, they're doing so because the current settlement very much doesn't work for them.
But they are shallow, stupid, ignorant and gullible. Because they refuse to believe the *right kind* of lies from politicians. Despite those lies being repeated for them at regular intervals
A key difference being that the shallow, stupid, ignorant and gullible Corbyn fans, some on here if you can believe it, would have voted him into power.
Even the dimmest Reffer doesn't match that kind of idiocy.
The Tories have about 18 hours to do a deal with RefUK, whereby they offer to stand down in about 100 seats where Reform are strongest in return for the party standing down in favour of the Tories in the other constituencies.
Leading to a post-election merger, and Farage as LOTO?
While I can understand some voters being up for that, is it what grassroots Conservative members really want?
I think it would lead to the death of the Tories, whatever they do now.
No true conservative would have anything to do with Russia Today´s Nigel Farage in any event.
Any One Nation survivors would immediately do a 'Change UK' Post election
Or join a much larger Lib Dem group...
Now this would be funny. Say it ends thus:
Labour - squllions Tories 50 LDs 51 Reform 30 SNP 20
Reform merge with the Tories to give 80 and claim to be the Official Opposition, only for 15 One-Nation types to defect to the LDs and hey presto LDs become the OO again.
I don't find it remotely surprising that a significant minority of voters are seduced by Farage's charms. But I still find it fucking depressing.
It is not they are seduced by farages charms in my opinion, like me they think going on with the centristm bollocks of the last 40 years which has landed us here is a dead end. They are looking for a radical change of direction....some look to Corbyn, some look to Farage. Personally I don't think either has an answer but they are looking to get away from more of the same which is all that is offered by tories, starmers labour or the lib dems
I am simply astonished at the idiotic action of Sunak today.
What was he thinking - no correct that, he wasn't and who on earth is advising him?
Rishi Sunak has been told that he has “misjudged the mood of the nation” by deciding to return early from the D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations to campaign in the general election.
And he has been warned that he appears to have already handed the mantle of prime minister to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer who joined veterans this afternoon in Normandy.
The criticism from Gulf War veteran Colonel Stuart Crawford came after Mr Sunak decided not to attend the major gathering of world leaders with veterans at Omaha beach this afternoon.
A Conservative source confirmed that he had returned to campaign in the election instead.
In contrast, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who is the odds-on favourite to win the election and be prime minister on 5 July, was at the event, mingling with world leaders including President Joe Biden, President Emmanuel Macron and King Charles. Asked whether it was a mistake for the prime minister to miss the event, Col Crawford, who served for 20 years in the Royal Tank Regiment, said: “I think Mr Sunak misjudges the mood of the nation by doing so.
“It’s a solemn occasion and sadly the last major anniversary of the landings, which will feature many of the surviving veterans.
“Campaigning for an election which everyone knows he’s going to lose anyway is a poor excuse.
“He should be there with the others, and his absence and Starmer’s presence makes it look as if he’s passed the premiership to Sir Keir already.”
Foreign secretary Lord Cameron and defence secretary Grant Shapps represented the Tory government at the event.
There was criticism from other quarters too. Former first sea lord Admiral Lord West told The Independent: “Nothing politicians do nowadays surprises me!”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who is also with veterans in Normandy but is hoping to pick up Tory voters in the election, attacked the prime minister for his decision.
He posted on X (formerly Twitter): “The Prime Minister has ducked out of the international D-Day event to fly back to the UK to campaign.I am here in Normandy in a personal capacity because I think it matters. Does he?”
The prime minister had appeared with British veterans at a “heroes welcome” event this morning, gaving a short speech before returning home.
In missing the event at Omaha beach, where the Americans landed and some of the fiercest fighting took place 80 years ago today, Mr Sunak also lost the opportunity to join President Voldymyr Zelensky, who reminded leaders that they have another war on Europe’s front with Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
Starmer and Shapps attended the Omaha beach event
What the f***?
Did Sunak actually duck out of meeting Zelensky on Omaha Beach, while leaving Starmer there to meet the Ukranians?
Yes and David Cameron deputised
Sunak has just lost me 100%
Is he that tone-deaf, to not know that the commemorations were always going to be today’s biggest story, and that the vast majority of Tory voters and potential voters are way more interested in this than the election, just for one day?
(I’m also in the “Starmer should keep Cameron on as FS” camp, he’s brilliant in that role, but the PM needs to f******* show up on occasion).
Interesting gender divide emerging. Which way will female don’t knows break?
Interesting.
I have a view that might be sexist, so feel free to tell me I'm wrong: women are more likely to be centrist and less prone to extremism. This chart maybe mildly supports that idea. Am I wrong?
No need to tread on eggshells with that one, although it’s appreciated.
You’re absolutely not wrong. People pumped by testosterone are more aggressive and, therefore, more bullish and extreme on views.
Same kind of aggression from males in the animal world of course.
I am simply astonished at the idiotic action of Sunak today.
What was he thinking - no correct that, he wasn't and who on earth is advising him?
Rishi Sunak has been told that he has “misjudged the mood of the nation” by deciding to return early from the D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations to campaign in the general election.
And he has been warned that he appears to have already handed the mantle of prime minister to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer who joined veterans this afternoon in Normandy.
The criticism from Gulf War veteran Colonel Stuart Crawford came after Mr Sunak decided not to attend the major gathering of world leaders with veterans at Omaha beach this afternoon.
A Conservative source confirmed that he had returned to campaign in the election instead.
In contrast, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who is the odds-on favourite to win the election and be prime minister on 5 July, was at the event, mingling with world leaders including President Joe Biden, President Emmanuel Macron and King Charles. Asked whether it was a mistake for the prime minister to miss the event, Col Crawford, who served for 20 years in the Royal Tank Regiment, said: “I think Mr Sunak misjudges the mood of the nation by doing so.
“It’s a solemn occasion and sadly the last major anniversary of the landings, which will feature many of the surviving veterans.
“Campaigning for an election which everyone knows he’s going to lose anyway is a poor excuse.
“He should be there with the others, and his absence and Starmer’s presence makes it look as if he’s passed the premiership to Sir Keir already.”
Foreign secretary Lord Cameron and defence secretary Grant Shapps represented the Tory government at the event.
There was criticism from other quarters too. Former first sea lord Admiral Lord West told The Independent: “Nothing politicians do nowadays surprises me!”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who is also with veterans in Normandy but is hoping to pick up Tory voters in the election, attacked the prime minister for his decision.
He posted on X (formerly Twitter): “The Prime Minister has ducked out of the international D-Day event to fly back to the UK to campaign.I am here in Normandy in a personal capacity because I think it matters. Does he?”
The prime minister had appeared with British veterans at a “heroes welcome” event this morning, gaving a short speech before returning home.
In missing the event at Omaha beach, where the Americans landed and some of the fiercest fighting took place 80 years ago today, Mr Sunak also lost the opportunity to join President Voldymyr Zelensky, who reminded leaders that they have another war on Europe’s front with Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
Starmer and Shapps attended the Omaha beach event
What the f***?
Did Sunak actually duck out of meeting Zelensky on Omaha Beach, while leaving Starmer there to meet the Ukranians?
Yes and David Cameron deputised
Sunak has just lost me 100%
Is he that tone-deaf, to not know that the commemorations were always going to be today’s biggest story, and that the vast majority of Tory voters and potential voters are way more interested in this than the election, just for one day?
I am simply astonished at the idiotic action of Sunak today.
What was he thinking - no correct that, he wasn't and who on earth is advising him?
Rishi Sunak has been told that he has “misjudged the mood of the nation” by deciding to return early from the D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations to campaign in the general election.
And he has been warned that he appears to have already handed the mantle of prime minister to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer who joined veterans this afternoon in Normandy.
The criticism from Gulf War veteran Colonel Stuart Crawford came after Mr Sunak decided not to attend the major gathering of world leaders with veterans at Omaha beach this afternoon.
A Conservative source confirmed that he had returned to campaign in the election instead.
In contrast, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who is the odds-on favourite to win the election and be prime minister on 5 July, was at the event, mingling with world leaders including President Joe Biden, President Emmanuel Macron and King Charles. Asked whether it was a mistake for the prime minister to miss the event, Col Crawford, who served for 20 years in the Royal Tank Regiment, said: “I think Mr Sunak misjudges the mood of the nation by doing so.
“It’s a solemn occasion and sadly the last major anniversary of the landings, which will feature many of the surviving veterans.
“Campaigning for an election which everyone knows he’s going to lose anyway is a poor excuse.
“He should be there with the others, and his absence and Starmer’s presence makes it look as if he’s passed the premiership to Sir Keir already.”
Foreign secretary Lord Cameron and defence secretary Grant Shapps represented the Tory government at the event.
There was criticism from other quarters too. Former first sea lord Admiral Lord West told The Independent: “Nothing politicians do nowadays surprises me!”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who is also with veterans in Normandy but is hoping to pick up Tory voters in the election, attacked the prime minister for his decision.
He posted on X (formerly Twitter): “The Prime Minister has ducked out of the international D-Day event to fly back to the UK to campaign.I am here in Normandy in a personal capacity because I think it matters. Does he?”
The prime minister had appeared with British veterans at a “heroes welcome” event this morning, gaving a short speech before returning home.
In missing the event at Omaha beach, where the Americans landed and some of the fiercest fighting took place 80 years ago today, Mr Sunak also lost the opportunity to join President Voldymyr Zelensky, who reminded leaders that they have another war on Europe’s front with Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
I am simply astonished at the idiotic action of Sunak today.
What was he thinking - no correct that, he wasn't and who on earth is advising him?
Rishi Sunak has been told that he has “misjudged the mood of the nation” by deciding to return early from the D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations to campaign in the general election.
And he has been warned that he appears to have already handed the mantle of prime minister to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer who joined veterans this afternoon in Normandy.
The criticism from Gulf War veteran Colonel Stuart Crawford came after Mr Sunak decided not to attend the major gathering of world leaders with veterans at Omaha beach this afternoon.
A Conservative source confirmed that he had returned to campaign in the election instead.
In contrast, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who is the odds-on favourite to win the election and be prime minister on 5 July, was at the event, mingling with world leaders including President Joe Biden, President Emmanuel Macron and King Charles. Asked whether it was a mistake for the prime minister to miss the event, Col Crawford, who served for 20 years in the Royal Tank Regiment, said: “I think Mr Sunak misjudges the mood of the nation by doing so.
“It’s a solemn occasion and sadly the last major anniversary of the landings, which will feature many of the surviving veterans.
“Campaigning for an election which everyone knows he’s going to lose anyway is a poor excuse.
“He should be there with the others, and his absence and Starmer’s presence makes it look as if he’s passed the premiership to Sir Keir already.”
Foreign secretary Lord Cameron and defence secretary Grant Shapps represented the Tory government at the event.
There was criticism from other quarters too. Former first sea lord Admiral Lord West told The Independent: “Nothing politicians do nowadays surprises me!”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who is also with veterans in Normandy but is hoping to pick up Tory voters in the election, attacked the prime minister for his decision.
He posted on X (formerly Twitter): “The Prime Minister has ducked out of the international D-Day event to fly back to the UK to campaign.I am here in Normandy in a personal capacity because I think it matters. Does he?”
The prime minister had appeared with British veterans at a “heroes welcome” event this morning, gaving a short speech before returning home.
In missing the event at Omaha beach, where the Americans landed and some of the fiercest fighting took place 80 years ago today, Mr Sunak also lost the opportunity to join President Voldymyr Zelensky, who reminded leaders that they have another war on Europe’s front with Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
Starmer and Shapps attended the Omaha beach event
Wow!
Where's that quote from Big_G?
To be honest I am so annoyed I cannot recall but it was a summary of today's celebrations of D day
Nobody has been more loyal to Sunak than myself but that's it - I am done and frankly just want this over and to see Starmer in no 10
So, is it Labour or Plaid Cymru for you later this month then?
No - but possible Lib dem
Huh, my gut instinct was that they were absolutely nowhere in your constituency. Seems they were third on the old boundaries! I didn't realise.
I do want to vote in what could be my last election so lib dems very likely
Oh shut up with that bollocks. You've got another few elections in you.
Which is my way of saying, stick around for the birthday card from the palace to put next to your anniversary card.
Does Sunak not realise that being in Normandy as PM is about the best thing he could do to help his chances in the election?
I am genuinely awestruck at how politically inept Sunak clearing off early is. It's exactly what you would expect of someone who has no sense of the country he governs or interest in it.
My folks always watch this sort of thing avidly and are core Tory voters, or were.
Does Sunak not realise that being in Normandy as PM is about the best thing he could do to help his chances in the election?
I am genuinely awestruck at how politically inept Sunak clearing off early is. It's exactly what you would expect of someone who has no sense of the country he governs or interest in it.
Are you saying he just isn’t British?
No, I am saying he has absolutely no interest in understanding the people he governs. His lack of curiosity and empathy is astounding.
I am simply astonished at the idiotic action of Sunak today.
What was he thinking - no correct that, he wasn't and who on earth is advising him?
Rishi Sunak has been told that he has “misjudged the mood of the nation” by deciding to return early from the D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations to campaign in the general election.
And he has been warned that he appears to have already handed the mantle of prime minister to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer who joined veterans this afternoon in Normandy.
The criticism from Gulf War veteran Colonel Stuart Crawford came after Mr Sunak decided not to attend the major gathering of world leaders with veterans at Omaha beach this afternoon.
A Conservative source confirmed that he had returned to campaign in the election instead.
In contrast, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who is the odds-on favourite to win the election and be prime minister on 5 July, was at the event, mingling with world leaders including President Joe Biden, President Emmanuel Macron and King Charles. Asked whether it was a mistake for the prime minister to miss the event, Col Crawford, who served for 20 years in the Royal Tank Regiment, said: “I think Mr Sunak misjudges the mood of the nation by doing so.
“It’s a solemn occasion and sadly the last major anniversary of the landings, which will feature many of the surviving veterans.
“Campaigning for an election which everyone knows he’s going to lose anyway is a poor excuse.
“He should be there with the others, and his absence and Starmer’s presence makes it look as if he’s passed the premiership to Sir Keir already.”
Foreign secretary Lord Cameron and defence secretary Grant Shapps represented the Tory government at the event.
There was criticism from other quarters too. Former first sea lord Admiral Lord West told The Independent: “Nothing politicians do nowadays surprises me!”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who is also with veterans in Normandy but is hoping to pick up Tory voters in the election, attacked the prime minister for his decision.
He posted on X (formerly Twitter): “The Prime Minister has ducked out of the international D-Day event to fly back to the UK to campaign.I am here in Normandy in a personal capacity because I think it matters. Does he?”
The prime minister had appeared with British veterans at a “heroes welcome” event this morning, gaving a short speech before returning home.
In missing the event at Omaha beach, where the Americans landed and some of the fiercest fighting took place 80 years ago today, Mr Sunak also lost the opportunity to join President Voldymyr Zelensky, who reminded leaders that they have another war on Europe’s front with Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
I am simply astonished at the idiotic action of Sunak today.
What was he thinking - no correct that, he wasn't and who on earth is advising him?
Rishi Sunak has been told that he has “misjudged the mood of the nation” by deciding to return early from the D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations to campaign in the general election.
And he has been warned that he appears to have already handed the mantle of prime minister to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer who joined veterans this afternoon in Normandy.
The criticism from Gulf War veteran Colonel Stuart Crawford came after Mr Sunak decided not to attend the major gathering of world leaders with veterans at Omaha beach this afternoon.
A Conservative source confirmed that he had returned to campaign in the election instead.
In contrast, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who is the odds-on favourite to win the election and be prime minister on 5 July, was at the event, mingling with world leaders including President Joe Biden, President Emmanuel Macron and King Charles. Asked whether it was a mistake for the prime minister to miss the event, Col Crawford, who served for 20 years in the Royal Tank Regiment, said: “I think Mr Sunak misjudges the mood of the nation by doing so.
“It’s a solemn occasion and sadly the last major anniversary of the landings, which will feature many of the surviving veterans.
“Campaigning for an election which everyone knows he’s going to lose anyway is a poor excuse.
“He should be there with the others, and his absence and Starmer’s presence makes it look as if he’s passed the premiership to Sir Keir already.”
Foreign secretary Lord Cameron and defence secretary Grant Shapps represented the Tory government at the event.
There was criticism from other quarters too. Former first sea lord Admiral Lord West told The Independent: “Nothing politicians do nowadays surprises me!”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who is also with veterans in Normandy but is hoping to pick up Tory voters in the election, attacked the prime minister for his decision.
He posted on X (formerly Twitter): “The Prime Minister has ducked out of the international D-Day event to fly back to the UK to campaign.I am here in Normandy in a personal capacity because I think it matters. Does he?”
The prime minister had appeared with British veterans at a “heroes welcome” event this morning, gaving a short speech before returning home.
In missing the event at Omaha beach, where the Americans landed and some of the fiercest fighting took place 80 years ago today, Mr Sunak also lost the opportunity to join President Voldymyr Zelensky, who reminded leaders that they have another war on Europe’s front with Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
Starmer and Shapps attended the Omaha beach event
Wow!
Where's that quote from Big_G?
To be honest I am so annoyed I cannot recall but it was a summary of today's celebrations of D day
Nobody has been more loyal to Sunak than myself but that's it - I am done and frankly just want this over and to see Starmer in no 10
So, is it Labour or Plaid Cymru for you later this month then?
No - but possible Lib dem
Huh, my gut instinct was that they were absolutely nowhere in your constituency. Seems they were third on the old boundaries! I didn't realise.
I do want to vote in what could be my last election so lib dems very likely
Which was the intellectually consistent choice for you, the last time.
If the Tory press gives this Sunak story the coverage they would give it if a Labour PM had done the same, I reckon we're looking at a total Tory meltdown in the polls. But it is a big if.
I am simply astonished at the idiotic action of Sunak today.
What was he thinking - no correct that, he wasn't and who on earth is advising him?
Rishi Sunak has been told that he has “misjudged the mood of the nation” by deciding to return early from the D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations to campaign in the general election.
And he has been warned that he appears to have already handed the mantle of prime minister to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer who joined veterans this afternoon in Normandy.
The criticism from Gulf War veteran Colonel Stuart Crawford came after Mr Sunak decided not to attend the major gathering of world leaders with veterans at Omaha beach this afternoon.
A Conservative source confirmed that he had returned to campaign in the election instead.
In contrast, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who is the odds-on favourite to win the election and be prime minister on 5 July, was at the event, mingling with world leaders including President Joe Biden, President Emmanuel Macron and King Charles. Asked whether it was a mistake for the prime minister to miss the event, Col Crawford, who served for 20 years in the Royal Tank Regiment, said: “I think Mr Sunak misjudges the mood of the nation by doing so.
“It’s a solemn occasion and sadly the last major anniversary of the landings, which will feature many of the surviving veterans.
“Campaigning for an election which everyone knows he’s going to lose anyway is a poor excuse.
“He should be there with the others, and his absence and Starmer’s presence makes it look as if he’s passed the premiership to Sir Keir already.”
Foreign secretary Lord Cameron and defence secretary Grant Shapps represented the Tory government at the event.
There was criticism from other quarters too. Former first sea lord Admiral Lord West told The Independent: “Nothing politicians do nowadays surprises me!”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who is also with veterans in Normandy but is hoping to pick up Tory voters in the election, attacked the prime minister for his decision.
He posted on X (formerly Twitter): “The Prime Minister has ducked out of the international D-Day event to fly back to the UK to campaign.I am here in Normandy in a personal capacity because I think it matters. Does he?”
The prime minister had appeared with British veterans at a “heroes welcome” event this morning, gaving a short speech before returning home.
In missing the event at Omaha beach, where the Americans landed and some of the fiercest fighting took place 80 years ago today, Mr Sunak also lost the opportunity to join President Voldymyr Zelensky, who reminded leaders that they have another war on Europe’s front with Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
Starmer and Shapps attended the Omaha beach event
What the f***?
Did Sunak actually duck out of meeting Zelensky on Omaha Beach, while leaving Starmer there to meet the Ukranians?
Yes and David Cameron deputised
Sunak has just lost me 100%
I'm not a fan of the fella but it's not like he didn't go to Normandy, he attended this mornings service and gave a speech.
It was just shocking seeing Biden, Macron, Scholtz together with Sunak but no, he sent David Cameron and the photo shoot was dreadful
I understand that but the day is about marking amd commemorating events of 80 years ago and meeting veterans which he did at this mornings service. There have been many services, it's not like the one at Omaha had more gravitas or was 'the main one', they all were
No - it is followed by the world leaders gathering to discuss security
I am simply astonished at the idiotic action of Sunak today.
What was he thinking - no correct that, he wasn't and who on earth is advising him?
Rishi Sunak has been told that he has “misjudged the mood of the nation” by deciding to return early from the D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations to campaign in the general election.
And he has been warned that he appears to have already handed the mantle of prime minister to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer who joined veterans this afternoon in Normandy.
The criticism from Gulf War veteran Colonel Stuart Crawford came after Mr Sunak decided not to attend the major gathering of world leaders with veterans at Omaha beach this afternoon.
A Conservative source confirmed that he had returned to campaign in the election instead.
In contrast, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who is the odds-on favourite to win the election and be prime minister on 5 July, was at the event, mingling with world leaders including President Joe Biden, President Emmanuel Macron and King Charles. Asked whether it was a mistake for the prime minister to miss the event, Col Crawford, who served for 20 years in the Royal Tank Regiment, said: “I think Mr Sunak misjudges the mood of the nation by doing so.
“It’s a solemn occasion and sadly the last major anniversary of the landings, which will feature many of the surviving veterans.
“Campaigning for an election which everyone knows he’s going to lose anyway is a poor excuse.
“He should be there with the others, and his absence and Starmer’s presence makes it look as if he’s passed the premiership to Sir Keir already.”
Foreign secretary Lord Cameron and defence secretary Grant Shapps represented the Tory government at the event.
There was criticism from other quarters too. Former first sea lord Admiral Lord West told The Independent: “Nothing politicians do nowadays surprises me!”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who is also with veterans in Normandy but is hoping to pick up Tory voters in the election, attacked the prime minister for his decision.
He posted on X (formerly Twitter): “The Prime Minister has ducked out of the international D-Day event to fly back to the UK to campaign.I am here in Normandy in a personal capacity because I think it matters. Does he?”
The prime minister had appeared with British veterans at a “heroes welcome” event this morning, gaving a short speech before returning home.
In missing the event at Omaha beach, where the Americans landed and some of the fiercest fighting took place 80 years ago today, Mr Sunak also lost the opportunity to join President Voldymyr Zelensky, who reminded leaders that they have another war on Europe’s front with Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
Starmer and Shapps attended the Omaha beach event
What the f***?
Did Sunak actually duck out of meeting Zelensky on Omaha Beach, while leaving Starmer there to meet the Ukranians?
Yes and David Cameron deputised
Sunak has just lost me 100%
Is he that tone-deaf, to not know that the commemorations were always going to be today’s biggest story, and that the vast majority of Tory voters and potential voters are way more interested in this than the election, just for one day?
Should he have run around Normandy attending as many as possible? Or attended the one arranged at the British landing beach with the King and veterans as he did? I don't get the outrage. Had he not gone to Normandy at all, fine. But he did.
I am simply astonished at the idiotic action of Sunak today.
What was he thinking - no correct that, he wasn't and who on earth is advising him?
Rishi Sunak has been told that he has “misjudged the mood of the nation” by deciding to return early from the D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations to campaign in the general election.
And he has been warned that he appears to have already handed the mantle of prime minister to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer who joined veterans this afternoon in Normandy.
The criticism from Gulf War veteran Colonel Stuart Crawford came after Mr Sunak decided not to attend the major gathering of world leaders with veterans at Omaha beach this afternoon.
A Conservative source confirmed that he had returned to campaign in the election instead.
In contrast, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who is the odds-on favourite to win the election and be prime minister on 5 July, was at the event, mingling with world leaders including President Joe Biden, President Emmanuel Macron and King Charles. Asked whether it was a mistake for the prime minister to miss the event, Col Crawford, who served for 20 years in the Royal Tank Regiment, said: “I think Mr Sunak misjudges the mood of the nation by doing so.
“It’s a solemn occasion and sadly the last major anniversary of the landings, which will feature many of the surviving veterans.
“Campaigning for an election which everyone knows he’s going to lose anyway is a poor excuse.
“He should be there with the others, and his absence and Starmer’s presence makes it look as if he’s passed the premiership to Sir Keir already.”
Foreign secretary Lord Cameron and defence secretary Grant Shapps represented the Tory government at the event.
There was criticism from other quarters too. Former first sea lord Admiral Lord West told The Independent: “Nothing politicians do nowadays surprises me!”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who is also with veterans in Normandy but is hoping to pick up Tory voters in the election, attacked the prime minister for his decision.
He posted on X (formerly Twitter): “The Prime Minister has ducked out of the international D-Day event to fly back to the UK to campaign.I am here in Normandy in a personal capacity because I think it matters. Does he?”
The prime minister had appeared with British veterans at a “heroes welcome” event this morning, gaving a short speech before returning home.
In missing the event at Omaha beach, where the Americans landed and some of the fiercest fighting took place 80 years ago today, Mr Sunak also lost the opportunity to join President Voldymyr Zelensky, who reminded leaders that they have another war on Europe’s front with Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
Starmer and Shapps attended the Omaha beach event
That is outrageous. It will also piss off the only segment of voters still mildly favourable to the Tories.
One seriously has to wonder if he has a political death wish.
I started this election just about persuadable into voting Tory, but I needed some good reasons to get me to that. So far the Tory leadership is doing everything to push me to vote elsewhere.
Well if "ToryJim" isn't voting Tory ...
Remember it was me who posted the report when others may have not
Probably one of Sunak's remaining few loyalist on here but not anymore
You've always been a dogged defender (one way to put it anyway) of the Conservative Party and Rishi Sunak.
At the same time, you've rarely tried to defend the indefensible. And called BS on your own party way more than the PBer average.
You have a right to be outraged. You deserve better.
I am simply astonished at the idiotic action of Sunak today.
What was he thinking - no correct that, he wasn't and who on earth is advising him?
Rishi Sunak has been told that he has “misjudged the mood of the nation” by deciding to return early from the D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations to campaign in the general election.
And he has been warned that he appears to have already handed the mantle of prime minister to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer who joined veterans this afternoon in Normandy.
The criticism from Gulf War veteran Colonel Stuart Crawford came after Mr Sunak decided not to attend the major gathering of world leaders with veterans at Omaha beach this afternoon.
A Conservative source confirmed that he had returned to campaign in the election instead.
In contrast, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who is the odds-on favourite to win the election and be prime minister on 5 July, was at the event, mingling with world leaders including President Joe Biden, President Emmanuel Macron and King Charles. Asked whether it was a mistake for the prime minister to miss the event, Col Crawford, who served for 20 years in the Royal Tank Regiment, said: “I think Mr Sunak misjudges the mood of the nation by doing so.
“It’s a solemn occasion and sadly the last major anniversary of the landings, which will feature many of the surviving veterans.
“Campaigning for an election which everyone knows he’s going to lose anyway is a poor excuse.
“He should be there with the others, and his absence and Starmer’s presence makes it look as if he’s passed the premiership to Sir Keir already.”
Foreign secretary Lord Cameron and defence secretary Grant Shapps represented the Tory government at the event.
There was criticism from other quarters too. Former first sea lord Admiral Lord West told The Independent: “Nothing politicians do nowadays surprises me!”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who is also with veterans in Normandy but is hoping to pick up Tory voters in the election, attacked the prime minister for his decision.
He posted on X (formerly Twitter): “The Prime Minister has ducked out of the international D-Day event to fly back to the UK to campaign.I am here in Normandy in a personal capacity because I think it matters. Does he?”
The prime minister had appeared with British veterans at a “heroes welcome” event this morning, gaving a short speech before returning home.
In missing the event at Omaha beach, where the Americans landed and some of the fiercest fighting took place 80 years ago today, Mr Sunak also lost the opportunity to join President Voldymyr Zelensky, who reminded leaders that they have another war on Europe’s front with Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
Starmer and Shapps attended the Omaha beach event
That is outrageous. It will also piss off the only segment of voters still mildly favourable to the Tories.
One seriously has to wonder if he has a political death wish.
I started this election just about persuadable into voting Tory, but I needed some good reasons to get me to that. So far the Tory leadership is doing everything to push me to vote elsewhere.
Well if "ToryJim" isn't voting Tory ...
Jim is - weirdly given his username - arguably the most fair and balanced analyst on here!
In the sense that the clueless ingenue at least starts from a position of ignorant neutrality?
right I have to walk to my hotel, can I just say that this trip has renewed my fervour for the Ukrainian cause
The slightly triumphant swagger of Lviv in 2023 has gone - we threw off Putin! We will hurl him into the Azov! Now it is much more gritty determination and sangfroid and fuck it, we endure. And, in its way, that is more admirable. That is true grace, courage under fire, endless endless fire
They have lost 100,000s of their finest young men - and still they fight. And fight. And fight. And they will not fucking lie down. I am humbled by them. They need everything we can give them
Well done, Leon. More joy in heaven, and all that.
I’ve never NOT wanted Ukraine to prevail. I despise Putin and would like him and his cronies pushed out of a window. I’ve just doubted Ukraine can win and I still seriously doubt they can win. I’m fairly sure they can’t, in fact - in terms of regaining all Ukraine including Crimea it seems unlikely
But what they can do - and, from being here, what I sense they might do - is prove such doughty and inconquerable opponents Putin will have to sue for a less than brilliant peace. Or lose another million men gaining 5 sq km
I dunno. Perhaps Putin will seize Kyiv tomorrow. But in terms of human mood - and that is all you sense when you go places - the Ukrainians don’t seem minded to admit defeat. They are grimly set on defending the rest of their country, and fuck the suffering endured thereby
Manpower is still their issue. They have no problem with courage. We must arm them to the teeth to make up for the lack of troops
It's not manpower, it's equipment, and technology.
With the right equipment, in sufficient quantity, they can win the war with relatively low numbers of additional casualties. Throwing lots of drones at the enemy does not risk your own men all that much. Neither does having advanced airpower.
Interesting gender divide emerging. Which way will female don’t knows break?
Interesting.
I have a view that might be sexist, so feel free to tell me I'm wrong: women are more likely to be centrist and less prone to extremism. This chart maybe mildly supports that idea. Am I wrong?
No need to tread on eggshells with that one, although it’s appreciated.
You’re absolutely not wrong. People pumped by testosterone are more aggressive and, therefore, more bullish and extreme on views.
Same kind of aggression from males in the animal world of course.
And on pb.com, obvs.
Men and women are certainly not the same - though you can get lovely men and horrible women. The fact our Nigel gets 70% support from males, who are of an average age of 70, should tell you all you need to know. Leon is on line to be the leader of their youth movement!
I am simply astonished at the idiotic action of Sunak today.
What was he thinking - no correct that, he wasn't and who on earth is advising him?
Rishi Sunak has been told that he has “misjudged the mood of the nation” by deciding to return early from the D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations to campaign in the general election.
And he has been warned that he appears to have already handed the mantle of prime minister to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer who joined veterans this afternoon in Normandy.
The criticism from Gulf War veteran Colonel Stuart Crawford came after Mr Sunak decided not to attend the major gathering of world leaders with veterans at Omaha beach this afternoon.
A Conservative source confirmed that he had returned to campaign in the election instead.
In contrast, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who is the odds-on favourite to win the election and be prime minister on 5 July, was at the event, mingling with world leaders including President Joe Biden, President Emmanuel Macron and King Charles. Asked whether it was a mistake for the prime minister to miss the event, Col Crawford, who served for 20 years in the Royal Tank Regiment, said: “I think Mr Sunak misjudges the mood of the nation by doing so.
“It’s a solemn occasion and sadly the last major anniversary of the landings, which will feature many of the surviving veterans.
“Campaigning for an election which everyone knows he’s going to lose anyway is a poor excuse.
“He should be there with the others, and his absence and Starmer’s presence makes it look as if he’s passed the premiership to Sir Keir already.”
Foreign secretary Lord Cameron and defence secretary Grant Shapps represented the Tory government at the event.
There was criticism from other quarters too. Former first sea lord Admiral Lord West told The Independent: “Nothing politicians do nowadays surprises me!”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who is also with veterans in Normandy but is hoping to pick up Tory voters in the election, attacked the prime minister for his decision.
He posted on X (formerly Twitter): “The Prime Minister has ducked out of the international D-Day event to fly back to the UK to campaign.I am here in Normandy in a personal capacity because I think it matters. Does he?”
The prime minister had appeared with British veterans at a “heroes welcome” event this morning, gaving a short speech before returning home.
In missing the event at Omaha beach, where the Americans landed and some of the fiercest fighting took place 80 years ago today, Mr Sunak also lost the opportunity to join President Voldymyr Zelensky, who reminded leaders that they have another war on Europe’s front with Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
I am simply astonished at the idiotic action of Sunak today.
What was he thinking - no correct that, he wasn't and who on earth is advising him?
Rishi Sunak has been told that he has “misjudged the mood of the nation” by deciding to return early from the D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations to campaign in the general election.
And he has been warned that he appears to have already handed the mantle of prime minister to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer who joined veterans this afternoon in Normandy.
The criticism from Gulf War veteran Colonel Stuart Crawford came after Mr Sunak decided not to attend the major gathering of world leaders with veterans at Omaha beach this afternoon.
A Conservative source confirmed that he had returned to campaign in the election instead.
In contrast, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who is the odds-on favourite to win the election and be prime minister on 5 July, was at the event, mingling with world leaders including President Joe Biden, President Emmanuel Macron and King Charles. Asked whether it was a mistake for the prime minister to miss the event, Col Crawford, who served for 20 years in the Royal Tank Regiment, said: “I think Mr Sunak misjudges the mood of the nation by doing so.
“It’s a solemn occasion and sadly the last major anniversary of the landings, which will feature many of the surviving veterans.
“Campaigning for an election which everyone knows he’s going to lose anyway is a poor excuse.
“He should be there with the others, and his absence and Starmer’s presence makes it look as if he’s passed the premiership to Sir Keir already.”
Foreign secretary Lord Cameron and defence secretary Grant Shapps represented the Tory government at the event.
There was criticism from other quarters too. Former first sea lord Admiral Lord West told The Independent: “Nothing politicians do nowadays surprises me!”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who is also with veterans in Normandy but is hoping to pick up Tory voters in the election, attacked the prime minister for his decision.
He posted on X (formerly Twitter): “The Prime Minister has ducked out of the international D-Day event to fly back to the UK to campaign.I am here in Normandy in a personal capacity because I think it matters. Does he?”
The prime minister had appeared with British veterans at a “heroes welcome” event this morning, gaving a short speech before returning home.
In missing the event at Omaha beach, where the Americans landed and some of the fiercest fighting took place 80 years ago today, Mr Sunak also lost the opportunity to join President Voldymyr Zelensky, who reminded leaders that they have another war on Europe’s front with Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
Starmer and Shapps attended the Omaha beach event
Wow!
Where's that quote from Big_G?
To be honest I am so annoyed I cannot recall but it was a summary of today's celebrations of D day
Nobody has been more loyal to Sunak than myself but that's it - I am done and frankly just want this over and to see Starmer in no 10
So, is it Labour or Plaid Cymru for you later this month then?
No - but possible Lib dem
Huh, my gut instinct was that they were absolutely nowhere in your constituency. Seems they were third on the old boundaries! I didn't realise.
I do want to vote in what could be my last election so lib dems very likely
Another preponderance of polling today after a quieter day yesterday. With so much happening, I really concentrate on the polls with the most recent fieldwork - even 72 hours ago is ancient history in an election campaign.
R&W have done one of their "standard" 2000 voter polls as distinct from their "mega" poll from earlier in the week. I'm not sure about comparisons between polls with such a large difference in sample size.
Looking at the data tables, Reform are second among men while 13% of women are in the DK category. Reform poll 19% with Men and 12% with Women (that's no surprise). I suspect that gender differential will be more marked as time goes on.
Among Men Reform plus Conservative = Labour (both at 37%). Among Women Reform plus Conservative trail Labour by 12 points (27-39) and there's your difference in a nutshell.
The splits between the age groups are also interesting .
Survation samples only just over half of the R&W sample (1,056) and the weighted numbers are just 850. I'm less convinced but we'll see.
Four weeks to go and the Conservatives trail Labour by 20 points.
Comments
No true conservative would have anything to do with Russia Today´s Nigel Farage in any event.
What was he thinking - no correct that, he wasn't and who on earth is advising him?
Rishi Sunak has been told that he has “misjudged the mood of the nation” by deciding to return early from the D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations to campaign in the general election.
And he has been warned that he appears to have already handed the mantle of prime minister to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer who joined veterans this afternoon in Normandy.
The criticism from Gulf War veteran Colonel Stuart Crawford came after Mr Sunak decided not to attend the major gathering of world leaders with veterans at Omaha beach this afternoon.
A Conservative source confirmed that he had returned to campaign in the election instead.
In contrast, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who is the odds-on favourite to win the election and be prime minister on 5 July, was at the event, mingling with world leaders including President Joe Biden, President Emmanuel Macron and King Charles. Asked whether it was a mistake for the prime minister to miss the event, Col Crawford, who served for 20 years in the Royal Tank Regiment, said: “I think Mr Sunak misjudges the mood of the nation by doing so.
“It’s a solemn occasion and sadly the last major anniversary of the landings, which will feature many of the surviving veterans.
“Campaigning for an election which everyone knows he’s going to lose anyway is a poor excuse.
“He should be there with the others, and his absence and Starmer’s presence makes it look as if he’s passed the premiership to Sir Keir already.”
Foreign secretary Lord Cameron and defence secretary Grant Shapps represented the Tory government at the event.
There was criticism from other quarters too. Former first sea lord Admiral Lord West told The Independent: “Nothing politicians do nowadays surprises me!”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who is also with veterans in Normandy but is hoping to pick up Tory voters in the election, attacked the prime minister for his decision.
He posted on X (formerly Twitter): “The Prime Minister has ducked out of the international D-Day event to fly back to the UK to campaign.I am here in Normandy in a personal capacity because I think it matters. Does he?”
The prime minister had appeared with British veterans at a “heroes welcome” event this morning, gaving a short speech before returning home.
In missing the event at Omaha beach, where the Americans landed and some of the fiercest fighting took place 80 years ago today, Mr Sunak also lost the opportunity to join President Voldymyr Zelensky, who reminded leaders that they have another war on Europe’s front with Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
Starmer and Shapps attended the Omaha beach event
So maybe reform can become the new establishment.
https://unherd.com/newsroom/jack-dorsey-social-media-is-robbing-us-of-free-will/
Not sure IF this is relevant a century later . . . also somehow doubt it's totally irrelevant . . .
Where's that quote from Big_G?
“We’re working with some legal people and try to get something a little better than what's out there."
David Grusch gave a list of cooperative and hostile witnesses, what have they done with this list?
“That'll be part of the next hearing. I'm not giving out too many names, because, as you know, what happened the last time was that we originally had 12 people that were coming in, but we were left with 3."
It is noticeable in my seat how few local labour activists are campaigning for Luke Akehurst. It is mainly county councillors in the photo ops.
Perhaps your insurance might cover you if you lost luggage on the flight from London to Krakow, and had to spend an extra day in Poland - but that’s about it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Leb7ynduCU
2024 - Rishi Sunak skips the 80th anniversary of D-Day, in midst of his somewhat less-successful campaign for re-electon as POTUS
Mind-bending stupidity from RS and his D-team.
EDIT - Too high a rating, more like F-Troop.
I dislike Putin, generally. He kills his enemies. But then, so does the POTUS, with drones (and so does Boris). And sometimes your wiser enemies, or rivals, see you better then you see yourself. Putin nails this here. Wokeness is Bolshevism, right down to the determined destruction of the family unit
Putin is a fascinating character, worthy of respect, along with due wariness and preparedness. He is certainly not some mad aggressive autocrat, he is not Hitler. He actually thinks
-- Some Cnut, 2021
One seriously has to wonder if he has a political death wish.
I started this election just about persuadable into voting Tory, but I needed some good reasons to get me to that. So far the Tory leadership is doing everything to push me to vote elsewhere.
One imagines that Abraham Lincoln did much the same when he delivered the Gettysburg Address.
Nobody has been more loyal to Sunak than myself but that's it - I am done and frankly just want this over and to see Starmer in no 10
Did Sunak actually duck out of meeting Zelensky on Omaha Beach, while leaving Starmer there to meet the Ukranians?
Go to the front line. See it with your own eyes. You may end up writing the next Farewell to Arms...
Sunak has just lost me 100%
It would all go really well, until one day it didn’t.
https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/2024/06/the-end-of-the-tory-safe-seat
"According to our model, there are just four seats in England where the Tories can expect to receive more than 40 per cent of the vote.
Their top share in England (in Scotland, another three seats scrape over 40 per cent) is in Stoke-on-Trent South, where they are forecast to receive 41 per cent, but even here, Labour is forecast to edge a close victory, with 42 per cent of the vote. The same is true of Dudley (where they lose 40 to 41) and Bassetlaw (where they lose 40 to 43). Even in the places with the highest number of people prepared to vote Conservative, they are in critical danger."
Probably one of Sunak's remaining few loyalist on here but not anymore
I understand life long Tories voting for their MP. I understand voting Tory to avoid a silly Labour majority. But voting for him?
I have a view that might be sexist, so feel free to tell me I'm wrong: women are more likely to be centrist and less prone to extremism. This chart maybe mildly supports that idea. Am I wrong?
These non-binary folk are more numerous than I thought!
Edit - oh it includes “don’t know”…
Even the dimmest Reffer doesn't match that kind of idiocy.
Labour - squllions
Tories 50
LDs 51
Reform 30
SNP 20
Reform merge with the Tories to give 80 and claim to be the Official Opposition, only for 15 One-Nation types to defect to the LDs and hey presto LDs become the OO again.
(I’m also in the “Starmer should keep Cameron on as FS” camp, he’s brilliant in that role, but the PM needs to f******* show up on occasion).
You’re absolutely not wrong. People pumped by testosterone are more aggressive and, therefore, more bullish and extreme on views.
Same kind of aggression from males in the animal world of course.
And on pb.com, obvs.
I've topped up. Again.
At the same time, you've rarely tried to defend the indefensible. And called BS on your own party way more than the PBer average.
You have a right to be outraged. You deserve better.
With the right equipment, in sufficient quantity, they can win the war with relatively low numbers of additional casualties. Throwing lots of drones at the enemy does not risk your own men all that much. Neither does having advanced airpower.
Another preponderance of polling today after a quieter day yesterday. With so much happening, I really concentrate on the polls with the most recent fieldwork - even 72 hours ago is ancient history in an election campaign.
R&W have done one of their "standard" 2000 voter polls as distinct from their "mega" poll from earlier in the week. I'm not sure about comparisons between polls with such a large difference in sample size.
Looking at the data tables, Reform are second among men while 13% of women are in the DK category. Reform poll 19% with Men and 12% with Women (that's no surprise). I suspect that gender differential will be more marked as time goes on.
Among Men Reform plus Conservative = Labour (both at 37%). Among Women Reform plus Conservative trail Labour by 12 points (27-39) and there's your difference in a nutshell.
The splits between the age groups are also interesting .
Survation samples only just over half of the R&W sample (1,056) and the weighted numbers are just 850. I'm less convinced but we'll see.
Four weeks to go and the Conservatives trail Labour by 20 points.