Brown and Cameron apologise for photo-op

Sun Nov 22 2009 16:00:25

Gordon Brown and David Cameron have apologised after suggestions that they competed for photo opportunities at a Remembrance Day service attended by the Queen.

The leaders have both said sorry after the Dean of Westminster Abbey rebuked them for their behaviour at the service to mark the passing of Britain's last First World War troops.

The event at the centre of the row took place on November 11, and was led by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Mr Cameron reportedly arrived with his own photographer, and had his picture taken in the Abbey garden inspecting tributes to the fallen. The Prime Minister was then said to have asked to be photographed with his wife Sarah in the same place.

The head of communications at the Abbey, Duncan Jeffrey, said he had raised concerns with aides: "I pointed out that if people wished to take pictures in the Field of Remembrance then we would prefer to be notified in advance," he said.

Officials acting for the Very Reverend Dr John Hall are also reported to have sent formal complaints.

A Downing Street spokesman said: "Following the service at the Abbey that morning, the Prime Minister expressed a desire to visit the Field of Remembrance, as an appropriate way to recognise those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their country. We apologised for any inconvenience caused by this late change of the programme."

A Conservative Party spokesman said: "The decision to take photos was at the last minute, and permission was sought from officials in charge of the Field of Remembrance. We apologise for any misunderstanding and have given assurances that it won't happen again."

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