Sunak’s Mask Slips

Ladies and gentlemen, I regret we need to have a word about Rishi. While many gaffes and faux pas may be overlooked in public life, an ostensive lack of patriotism from a sitting Conservative Prime Minister is unlikely to be forgiven – particularly with an election merely weeks away. When the likes of Jeremy Corbyn refuse to kneel for Her Majesty, it is at least expected. Sunak’s perceived snub to veterans on the 80th anniversary of D-Day however, has crossed another line entirely.

I am not of course claiming that one needs to get everything right – our PM is renowned for not being great at politics, after all. And in fairness, your average billionaire is on a sticky wicket whenever he tries to connect with the man in the street. Do you dress to impress by wearing your 500 nicker Prada suedes to the local building site? Or replace your government issue Jag with a Kia Rio, when your handlers suggest a photo-op filling up the local petrol station? Poor optics (announcing a general election campaign in the pissing rain, for instance) can be glossed over; simply not giving a shit however, can’t be.

Any way you wish to look at it, the significance of D-Day in terms of Britain, its allies, and the western world can hardly be overstated. Whether one considers the enormity of the operation, the colossal loss of life, the immeasurable valour on display or the fact that it was the turning point of WWII – there’s no denying this year’s event was of particular poignancy, as it may have involved living veterans for the last time.

In terms of national importance then, it doesn’t get more serious. And the bare minimum of pretending to respect Britain’s history and traditions is something even the far-left generally manages to get right. Watching former would-be monarchy abolitionist Sir Keir Starmer swallow a smirk as he commented on Sunak’s absence, ‘The only choice was for me to be here’, reminded me of his predecessor. As leader of Her Majesty’s ‘most loyal’ opposition laying a wreath on Armistice day in 2018, even Corbyn managed to show up and look dignified (though naturally, he did so wearing a ‘scruffy’ anorak). Christ, even Joe Biden managed to stay for the full event, although he looked like he’d much rather be somewhere else.

So, what was so important that Sunak had to rush off and get back to? A pre-recorded interview with ITV apparently, which won’t even air until next week. Hardly emergency surgery or rushing to the bedside of a family member. The PM initially tried to calm the waters by claiming that the date had been in the diary since before the election campaign – unlikely to cut much ice you’d think, since the D-Day event had been in the diary for the best part of a century. Perhaps Tory HQ next set to casting around for a scapegoat, but that was scuppered when ITV’s UK editor Paul Brand revealed: “Today was the slot they offered us. We don’t know why.” That looks deliberate and damning.

The criticism within and without has been predictably merciless. Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Sir Ed Davey, surmised the abscondence as “a dereliction of duty”. Newly reappointed Reform UK premier, Nigel Farage (who must think it’s Christmas come early) commented, “Who really believes in our people, him or me?” Even stalwart Tory supporter Tim Montgomerie had to admit, “I want to put my head in my hands… If he came back for a political interview from the D-Day commemorations that is indefensible.” Best in show however, must go to Corbyn himself – who finally managed to play the patriot card against the Tory administration: “If he wanted to make amends, he would commit to giving veterans the security and support they need.” He who laughs last, eh Jezza?

What’s most intriguing about Sunak’s D-Day snub for me, is what interpretation are we to draw from it? Nobody surely could be that politically inept as to not predict the ramifications – which would tend to suggest that Sunak has completely given up, and is anxiously (if not consciously) desirous of simply being removed from office at this late stage of the game. And even if the PM honestly failed to understand the magnitude of his error, what happened to those in his team – have they given up too?

Unfortunately for Rishi, there is a reason beyond the general election why this D-Day storm is unlikely to blow over: it perfectly adumbrates the fault line along which all political issues are now at play in our nation– the stark divide between patriots and traitors. Whether it’s Hamas apologists or proud working-class Brits marching in the capital; the succour afforded to fake refugees over homeless veterans; or Leave voters and those who’d rather be ruled by Brussels – the problems we face come down to one simple concern: allegiance.

Sunak’s mistake cuts to the heart of the matter: what even is Britain, if there is no connection between its past, present and future? No great nation should ever have to question the patriotism of its parliamentary representatives Sadly in Britain 2024, this is now a genuine question.

Frank Haviland is the author of Banalysis: The Lie Destroying the West, and writes a Substack here.

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