The Huffington Post

'Lacking In Class': Minister Roasts Pete Hegseth Over D-Day Commemoration Attack On Europe

US defence secretary Pete Hegseth. A government minister has accused Pete Hegseth of “lacking in class” after he used a D-Day commemoration speech to attack European countries’ record on immigration. The US defence secretary said “European beaches are [being] stormed by different, dangerous ideologies” in a speech at the Normandy American Cemetery in north-west France. He was speaking on the 82nd anniversary of the D-Day landings, when nearly 4,500 Allied troops were killed attempting to liberate Nazi-occupied France on June 6, 1944. He said: “Sadly, today, different European beaches are stormed by different, dangerous ideologies. Beaches in Spain, Italy, Greece and Bulgaria, boats and men arrive. “When will European capitals do something about that invasion or is it too late? I pray not, and I believe not.” Skills minister Jacqui Smith added her voice to the wave of criticism which has followed Hegseth’s speech. Asked on LBC if he had been right, she said: “No, he’s not right, and no, I think it’s a bit lacking in class to raise it at a ceremony like that.” Downing Street also hit out at the Trump ally. The prime minister spokesman said: “The D-Day commemorations this weekend were about thanking veterans of the Second World War and remembering all those who died during the Normandy landings. “Their cause was liberation, freedom from tyranny and restoring peace to western Europe, and that should be the focus of commemorations.” Subscribe to Commons People , the podcast that makes politics easy. Every week, Kevin Schofield and Kate Nicholson unpack the week’s biggest stories to keep you informed. Join us for straightforward analysis of what’s going on at Westminster. Related... Labour Minister Says Pete Hegseth's D-Day Attack On Europe Over Immigration Left Him 'Horrified' Pete Hegseth Branded 'Absolute Bum' Over Attack On Nato Countries At D-Day Commemoration