One might imagine that D-Day, in the British mind and the West at large, serves as an emblem of noble sacrifice for the cause of freedom. The Second World War and its repercussions still define the West's strategic landscape.
The vanquishing of Germany, the advent of the Cold War, and the birth of NATO - still one of Labour’s proudest achievements, followed by the Franco-German rapprochement and the formation of the EU, as well as the unwavering American commitment to European security—all these are predicated on the bloodshed on Normandy's shores.
This event, both a poignant and political touchstone, of ordinary chaps storming those beaches, provides a rich vein of political capital, ripe for exploitation in election campaigns and Hollywood epics. It is, therefore, quite fortuitous for Rishi Sunak, the current occupant of No. 10, to bask in the reflected glory of mingling with world leaders, venerable veterans, and their ageing progeny under the balmy skies of Normandy.
Yet, in a display of spectacular ineptitude, Sunak managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of triumph by departing prematurely. Even David Cameron, a man not normally known for staying the course, did not leave early. Keir Starmer, likewise, lingered, cutting a figure reminiscent of a Prime Minister-in-waiting.
Current opinion polls indicate that the only age group where the Conservatives still hold sway is the over-65s—precisely the demographic most likely to be incensed by Sunak’s apparent lack of emotional and political acumen. Consequently, Sunak has had to issue a grovelling apology, further crowding the field of his campaign’s worst moments.
In stark contrast, Keir Starmer spent an entire day last Monday polishing his credentials as ‘sound on Defence’. He has comprehensively expunged the imprint of Jeremy Corbyn’s anti-nuclear plotting, positioning Labour as a party serious about security.
With 14 ex-military candidates standing for Labour, many in winnable constituencies, this development heralds the largest influx of military veterans into the Labour Party since the generation that fought in the Second World War. These candidates are poised to raise the tone of debate within the Parliamentary Labour Party on security and defence issues, marking a significant stride towards Labour presenting itself as a credible natural party of government.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Trudeau and President Biden were present at Normandy, recognising the potent symbolism of Western unity while Europe is again embroiled in conflict. Their presence underscored the significance of solidarity among Western nations, a sentiment seemingly lost on Sunak, whose premature departure was not only a diplomatic misstep but also a squandered opportunity to reinforce the UK's commitment to its allies in these turbulent times.
We have probably witnessed the most memorable moment in this general election campaign, and there are still 26 days to go.
It still boggles the mind! It doesn't take an Alastair Campbell to understand that walking out early was questionable both in morals and optics. I feel the bit people aren't saying out loud is that if he can make such an utterly academic mistake so brazenly, is he really fit, both logically and emotionally, to be Prime Minister?
We are working very hard here in Welwyn Hatfield to elect our excellent Labour candidate Andrew Lewin and finally see the back of Grant Shapps. The polls are promising but it will be close!
This was spot on, though... I liked Corbyn. 🤷🏼♀️ Not everything about him sat well (Euroscepticism) but I liked a lot of his ideas, specifically re-nationalising transport and energy services, etc. Anyway...
Hard time's here in Blighty, so I can't afford to subscribe, but I enjoy what I get for free. 👍🏼
(I'm a fellow low-carber and sad that I don't get to follow your "Downsizing" journey).