Editorial: An absence more eloquent than words But we also felt that familiar sense of frustration about the way successive British governments seem determined to stay aloof. While most national leaders attended the ceremony in Oslo - and President Hollande and Chancellor Merkel drew applause for holding hands to symbolise their countries' reconciliation - the Prime Minister sent his deputy instead. In so brazenly playing to the home gallery, David Cameron only perpetuated the UK's image as peevish and semi-detached. Here was a chance for Britain to join the celebrations on a good day for Europe. What a shame the Prime Minister passed it up.