Starmer calls Trump’s remarks on Nato troops in Afghanistan ‘insulting and frankly appalling’

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has accused U.S. President Donald Trump of making “insulting and frankly appalling” remarks about Nato forces in Afghanistan, saying the comments wrongly diminish the sacrifice of British and allied troops and should be followed by an apology.

Speaking on Friday, Starmer paid tribute to the 457 members of the British Armed Forces who lost their lives in Afghanistan. “I will never forget their courage, their bravery, and the sacrifice that they made for their country,” he said.

The prime minister also acknowledged those who survived but suffered serious injuries. “There are many, also, who are injured, some with life-changing injuries,” he said.

Starmer said Trump’s comments had caused genuine distress. “And I’m not surprised they’ve caused such hurt,” he added, noting the impact on families and the wider public.

Addressing Diane Dernie, the mother of a former soldier injured in Afghanistan, Starmer said: “If I had misspoken in that way or said those words, I would certainly apologise, and I’d apologise to her.”

While emphasising the close UK–U.S. relationship, Starmer stressed that alliance ties did not require silence when remarks were wrong. “We have a very close relationship with the U.S., and that is important for our security, our defence, and our intelligence. It’s very important we maintain that relationship,” he said.

He also highlighted the context of the Afghanistan campaign. “But it is because of that relationship that we fought alongside the Americans for our values in Afghanistan. And it was in that context that people lost their lives or suffered terrible injuries. Fighting for freedom, fighting with our allies for what we believe in,” Starmer said.

Trump sparked the row on Thursday during a Fox News interview, claiming Nato troops stayed “a little back” from the front lines during the Afghanistan war. The remarks drew strong criticism from veterans, military families, and political leaders across the UK, including Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, who called them a “disgrace,” and Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey, who said the prime minister should demand an apology.

Veterans’ organisations also condemned Trump’s comments. The Royal British Legion said the service and sacrifice of British troops in Afghanistan “cannot be called into question.”

In Washington, the White House declined to directly address the remarks, instead highlighting U.S. defence spending and urging Nato allies to increase their military budgets.

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