Keir Starmer has called on Donald Trump to apologise following what he described as “frankly appalling” remarks about Nato troops who fought in Afghanistan.
The US president sparked controversy this week by claiming that NATO has never come to America’s aid.
Nato secretary general Mark Rutte responded by pointing out that the alliance’s mutual defence clause was invoked only once – after the 9/11 attacks on New York in 2001 – which led coalition forces to deploy to Afghanistan.
Despite this, Trump later suggested that Nato troops had “stayed a little back, a little off the frontlines” during the 20-year conflict, prompting renewed criticism from allies and veterans.
Keir Starmer Condemns Trump Remarks on Nato and Afghanistan War
Speaking at Downing Street on Friday, the prime minister said the comments were deeply offensive, particularly given the sacrifices made by British and allied forces.
“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 and, in fact, across the country,” Starmer said.
UK armed forces suffered 457 deaths during the Afghanistan campaign, with many more service personnel sustaining serious and life-changing injuries.
“I will never forget their courage, their bravery and the sacrifice they made for their country,” he added. “There were many also who were injured, some with life-changing injuries.”
Apology Call Amid Defence of UK–US Relationship
Starmer’s remarks followed comments from Diane Dernie, the mother of severely injured veteran Ben Parkinson.
Addressing her concerns directly, the prime minister said: “I’ve made my position clear, and what I say to Diane is, if I had misspoken in that way or said those words, I would certainly apologise, and I’d apologise to her.”
While urging Trump to acknowledge the hurt caused, Starmer was careful to underline the importance of maintaining close ties with Washington.
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“We have a very close relationship with the US, and that is important for our security, for our defence and our intelligence, and it’s very important we maintain that relationship,” he said.
“But is it 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.”
White House Defends Trump’s Nato Position
Starmer’s call for an apology came after the White House issued a statement standing by the president’s comments.
US deputy press secretary Anna Kelly said: “President Trump is right – America’s contributions to Nato dwarf that of other countries, and his success in delivering a 5% spending pledge from Nato allies is helping Europe take greater responsibility for its own defence.
“The United States is the only Nato partner who can protect Greenland, and the president is advancing Nato interests in doing so.”
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