Starmer Condemns Trump's NATO Comments as 'Insulting' to UK Troops

Thu Jan 29 2026 20:18:05 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer responds to President Trump's remarks about NATO troops in Afghanistan, labeling them as disrespectful and highlighting the sacrifices made by British soldiers during the conflict.

In a recent interview, President Trump made controversial remarks regarding NATO's involvement in Afghanistan, stating that allies stayed 'a little off the front lines.' Sir Keir Starmer criticized these statements as 'insulting' and emphasized the bravery of British troops who served in the conflict. The comments have sparked outrage among military families and political figures across the UK.

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 questioned whether NATO 'would be there' if the US needed it.

Starmer stated that if he had 'mispoken in that way', he would 'certainly apologise'. Trump's comments have triggered international backlash, especially considering the UK's loss of 457 service members in Afghanistan.

Starmer said, 'I will never forget their courage, their bravery and the sacrifice they made for their country,' adding, 'I consider President Trump's remarks to be insulting and frankly appalling, and I am not surprised they have caused such hurt.'

The comments elicited widespread condemnation across the UK, as many pointed out the sacrifices made by British forces. Starmer's position reinforces the ongoing debate concerning leadership and respect for military actions.

Diane Dernie, the mother of a severely injured veteran, called Trump's remarks 'so insulting' and urged Starmer to take a stronger stance against the US president. Similarly, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch condemned Trump's disrespectful comments, emphasizing the need for proper acknowledgment of the sacrifices made by military personnel.

For many, Trump's criticisms of NATO signify a deeper issue regarding US foreign policy and the shared burdens of allied nations in military actions.