London, United Kingdom. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer criticised US President Donald Trump’s comments about European troops in Afghanistan, calling them insulting and appalling. Other European officials and veterans also condemned the remarks.
Starmer calls remarks “insulting” and “appalling”
“I consider President Trump’s remarks to be insulting and frankly appalling, and I’m not surprised they’ve caused such hurt for the loved ones of those who were killed or injured,” Starmer told reporters.
Asked whether he would demand an apology from Trump, Starmer said: “If I had misspoken in that way or said those words, I would certainly apologise.”
Starmer’s comments were notable for their strength, given he has tended to avoid direct public criticism of Trump.
UK role and losses in Afghanistan
Britain lost 457 service personnel killed in Afghanistan, its deadliest overseas war since the 1950s.
For several of the war’s most intense years, Britain led the allied campaign in Helmand, Afghanistan’s biggest and most violent province, while also fighting as the main US battlefield ally in Iraq.
Trump remarks and wider tensions
Trump told Fox Business Network’s “Mornings with Maria” on Thursday that the United States had “never needed” the transatlantic alliance and accused allies of staying “a little off the front lines” in Afghanistan.
The comments came amid strained relations with European allies after Trump used the World Economic Forum in Davos to again signal his interest in acquiring Greenland.
European officials and veterans respond
Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel condemned Trump’s remarks on Afghanistan, calling them untrue and disrespectful.
Britain’s Prince Harry, who served in Afghanistan, said in a statement: “Those sacrifices deserve to be spoken about truthfully and with respect.”
Roman Polko, a retired Polish general and former special forces commander who also served in Afghanistan and Iraq, told Reuters: “We expect an apology for this statement.”
How do you think leaders should address remarks that families of fallen service personnel say caused them hurt?
