UK criticizes Trump: Starmer calls for apology for disrespecting soldiers
Keir Starmer (photo: Getty Images)
Sir Keir Starmer publicly criticized US President Donald Trump for his remarks about NATO troops in Afghanistan, calling them offensive and, frankly, appalling, according to The Independent.
The leader of the UK Labour Party became one of Trump’s most prominent critics after the president claimed that NATO forces allegedly stayed on the sidelines of the frontline in Afghanistan - a statement that insulted the memory of British soldiers who were killed or wounded.
Starmer joined veterans, politicians across party lines, and Prince Harry in demanding recognition of soldiers' service and sacrifices.
Starmer condemns Trump over Afghanistan remarks
Sir Keir Starmer said: “I consider President Trump’s remarks to be insulting and frankly appalling, and I am not surprised they have caused such hurt to the loved ones of those who were killed or injured.”
He highlighted the service of the 457 British service members who died in Afghanistan and stressed the need for their memory to be treated with respect.
Support from veterans and politicians
Prince Harry noted that the sacrifices of British soldiers deserve truthful reporting and respect.
Defense Secretary John Healey called the fallen heroes, while Al Carns urged critics to meet the families of service members personally to understand the magnitude of their sacrifice.
Sir Malcolm Rifkind stated that Trump either failed to check the facts or deliberately lied, thereby undermining the United States' reputation.
Reaction of parliamentarians
Leaders of all parliamentary factions, including Kemi Badenoch, Ed Davey, and Ben Obese-Jecty, sharply condemned Trump’s comments, calling them absurd and an insult to the memory of the fallen.
Former officers who served alongside American forces emphasized that the sacrifices of allies must not be belittled, regardless of one person’s political ambitions.
Historical context
The conflict in Afghanistan, which began in 2001, claimed the lives of over 1,100 NATO service members (excluding the US) and 2,461 Americans.
The invocation of NATO Article 5 after September 11 activated collective defense for the first time, confirming allies' support for the United States.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated he would not participate in US President Donald Trump’s initiative, the Peace Board, citing the presence of Russian leader Vladimir Putin on the council.
Additionally, Prime Minister Keir Starmer noted that the Cabinet is developing new legislative initiatives that could change the format of the country’s interaction with the EU in the post-Brexit period.
