Starmer Brands Trump's Afghan Troop Remarks 'Insulting and Appalling'
Sir Keir Starmer has denounced Donald Trump's recent comments about British troops in Afghanistan as "insulting and frankly, appalling", urging the US president to apologise for his claims. The Labour leader's rebuke comes amid widespread outrage from veterans, their families, and MPs across the political spectrum, who have reacted with fury to Trump's assertions.
Trump's Controversial Claims on NATO Troops
In an interview with Fox News from Davos, Donald Trump repeated his criticism of NATO allies, stating he was not "sure" the military alliance would "be there if we ever needed them". He added, "We've never needed them. They'll say they sent some troops to Afghanistan... and they did, they stayed a little back, a little off the frontlines." These remarks have sparked a fierce backlash, with Downing Street and defence officials firmly rejecting them as inaccurate and disrespectful.
Veterans and Families Voice Outrage
The mother of a severely injured veteran, Diane Dernie, condemned Trump's words as "the ultimate insult". Her son, Ben Parkinson, suffered horrific injuries in Afghanistan in 2006, losing both legs and sustaining brain damage. Dernie emphasised, "I can assure you, the Taliban didn't plant IEDs miles and miles back from the front line." She called on Sir Keir Starmer to stand up for the armed forces and refute Trump's claims unequivocally.
Other families echoed this sentiment. Robert Dicketts, whose son Oliver was killed in Afghanistan in 2006, expressed disbelief, saying, "When I read it, I thought, 'What a bloody cheek!'" He added that Trump's knowledge of history is "lacking considerably".
Political and Military Figures Respond
Defence Secretary John Healey highlighted that NATO's Article 5 was only invoked once, in response to the 9/11 attacks, with the UK and allies answering the US call. He stated, "More than 450 British personnel lost their lives in Afghanistan. Those British troops should be remembered for who they were: heroes who gave their lives in service of our nation."
Defence minister Al Carns, a former commando who served five tours in Afghanistan, labelled Trump's comments "ridiculous", noting, "Many courageous and honourable service personnel from many nations fought on the front line. Many fought way beyond it." He stressed the bonds forged in combat, saying, "We shed blood, sweat and tears together."
Cross-Party Condemnation and Concerns
MPs from all parties united in their criticism. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called the remarks "complete nonsense" that could weaken NATO, while Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey pointed out Trump's own avoidance of military service. Dame Emily Thornberry MP stated, "How dare he say we weren't on the frontline... We have always been there whenever the Americans have wanted us."
Tory MP Ben Obese-Jecty, an Afghanistan veteran, expressed sadness at seeing the nation's sacrifice "held so cheaply" by Trump, recalling the horrific casualties in Sangin. Former UK ambassador to Afghanistan Sir Nicholas Kay added that Trump "clearly does not value and appreciate NATO in the same way he ought to".
Context of Sacrifice and Service
The UK suffered 457 military deaths in Afghanistan, the second-highest among coalition forces after the US. Overall, America's allies accounted for 1,160 deaths during the conflict. The prime minister's official spokesman emphasised that UK forces engaged in "sustained combat operations" alongside the US and NATO, with many hundreds wounded. He affirmed, "We are incredibly proud of our armed forces and their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten."
This incident underscores ongoing tensions in transatlantic relations and the deep respect owed to those who served. As the debate continues, the focus remains on honouring the bravery and losses of British troops in Afghanistan.
