Prime Minister Keir Starmer has strongly criticised comments made by US President Donald Trump about Nato troops in Afghanistan, describing them as insulting and frankly appalling.
Speaking to broadcasters, Starmer said the remarks had caused deep hurt to British veterans and the families of those who served.
He stressed that if he had made such comments himself, he would have apologised without hesitation. “If I had misspoken in that way, or said those words, I would certainly apologise,” he said.
The comments have sparked widespread anger across the UK, particularly among former service personnel. Corporal Andy Reid, who served in Afghanistan, described Trump’s remarks as “very disrespectful”, while the mother of a soldier killed in 2009 said they were “soul-destroying”.
Starmer paid tribute to the 457 British service members who lost their lives during the Afghanistan conflict, as well as those who returned home injured.
He said their sacrifice and bravery would never be forgotten, noting that UK forces fought alongside the US and other allies “for freedom and for what we believe in”.
Responding to calls for him to demand a formal apology from Trump, Starmer said he understood the pain felt by families but emphasised the importance of maintaining the close UK-US relationship, particularly on defence and security matters.
The White House later defended Trump’s comments by pointing to the United States’ contributions to Nato, saying they were helping Europe take greater responsibility for its own defence.
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