‘Sunak insulted veterans and demeaned the nation by reducing quick D-Day journey’

Nothing in Rishi Sunak’s apology yesterday suggested he fully understood how disgracefully he had behaved.

People look to the Prime Minister, regardless of their political allegiance, to represent this country on the world stage. By cutting short his trip to the D-Day commemorations, Mr Sunak did not just insult the military veterans, he demeaned the country.

Ultimately, this is about his judgement. He chose to put his political survival ahead of those who fought for freedom. He lectures the young on the importance of national service but then fails to serve his nation when called on to do so.

He places defence at the heart of his election pitch and then refuses to attend a ceremony honouring those who defended our nation. If a politician exercises such poor decision- making on this important question, voters will rightly ask how he could be trusted to make the right call on any issues – great or small.

This was not a minor gaffe. It was conclusive evidence of why he should not be re-elected.

End the cruelty

Labour will today promise wide-ranging measures to improve animal welfare.

They include banning imports from trophy hunting – a key demand of our campaign to protect endangered species – and the phasing out of animal testing for consumer products. Also pledged are a ban on trail hunting, snare traps and the import of designer dogs and cats with fashion-based mutilations.

This comprehensive manifesto plan to tackle animal cruelty is long overdue. The Tories had 14 years to act but, despite repeated promises, they failed to do so.

Only one party can be trusted to protect animals from unnecessary cruelty and abuse.

Better half time

England’s fresh line-up for the Euros means a new list of wives and girlfriends.

And if the Three Lions stars don’t up their game after losing to Iceland last night, Southgate might be better off playing them instead.