Sir Keir Starmer has described President Donald Trump's remarks about British troops in Afghanistan as insulting and frankly appalling.
On Thursday, Trump said that US allies stayed a little off the front lines in the conflict and claimed he was not sure NATO would be there if the US needed it.
Starmer said if he himself had mispoken in that way, he would certainly apologise.
Trump's words sparked international outrage as the UK and other nations joined the US in Afghanistan after NATO's collective security clause was invoked following the 9/11 attacks. During the conflict, 457 British service personnel were killed.
I will never forget their courage, their bravery, and the sacrifice they made for their country, Starmer said.
Starmer reacted sternly to Trump's comments, stating that they caused such hurt to the loved ones of those who were killed or injured and, in fact, across the country.
Starmer's response aligns with widespread condemnation of Trump's comments, particularly from political leaders across the UK. Critics noted the significance of British casualties in Afghanistan, where the UK suffered extensive losses.
Throughout Friday, various leaders condemned Trump's remarks, emphasizing that such careless talk undermines the sacrifices made by troops during the war. Criticism has been leveled particularly at Trump's history of avoiding military service during the Vietnam War.
As reactions poured in from all sides, many reiterated the need for respect for the armed forces, maintaining that the sacrifices in Afghanistan should not be trivialized.
The White House stood by Trump's comments, framing them as part of his ongoing critique of NATO and its member states, emphasizing the contributions made by the US.
