Starmer Criticizes Trump's 'Insulting' Remarks on NATO Troops in Afghanistan

Mon Feb 02 2026 22:24:23 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Keir Starmer condemns Donald Trump's recent comments about NATO troops, expressing hurt for families of fallen servicemen. His statements reignite the debate on military sacrifice and the importance of international alliances.

In a recent statement, UK Labour leader Keir Starmer has denounced Donald Trump's remarks regarding NATO troops' roles in Afghanistan as 'insulting and frankly appalling.' Trump's comments, which suggested US allies stayed 'off the front lines,' sparked outrage, particularly among British veterans and their families, highlighting the sacrifices made during the two-decade conflict where over 450 British servicemen lost their lives.

Sir Keir Starmer has described President Donald Trump's remarks about British troops in Afghanistan as insulting and frankly appalling. On Thursday, Trump stated that US allies were positioned a little off the front lines and questioned NATO's reliability in times of need.

Starmer remarked that if he had mispoken in that way, he would certainly apologise. The controversy surrounding Trump's comments has fueled international criticism, particularly given the historical context of NATO's involvement post-9/11, which resulted in 457 British soldiers losing their lives.

Starmer stated, I will never forget their courage, their bravery, and the sacrifice they made for their country. His comments reflect the hurt felt among the families of those lost, voicing the impact of Trump's remarks on the nation as a whole.

Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Starmer added, There were many also who were injured, some with life-changing injuries... 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.\