Armed Forces minister Al Carns has said that Donald Trump’s words “cut deep” as he paid tribute to those who lost loved ones in Afghanistan.
Veterans, their families, and MPs across the political spectrum have expressed outrage after the US president claimed NATO forces remained “a little off the frontlines” during the Afghanistan conflict.
In a Fox News interview from Davos, Donald Trump doubled down on his criticism, questioning whether the military alliance would ever “be there if we needed them.”
He went on to say: “We’ve never needed them. Sure, they sent some troops to Afghanistan… but they stayed a little back, a little off the frontlines.”
The armed forces minister said that Donald Trump’s words ‘cut deep’
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GB NEWS
Speaking on GB News, Mr Canes said: “I fought in Afghanistan, five tours in total, but this really isn’t about me.
“It’s about the thousands of others who served and deployed to Afghanistan, and, importantly, all the families who were left behind. I always say: if one person serves, the whole family serves, and we must remember them all.
“Think of the footage of Royal Wootton Bassett coffins coming home. At that time, we didn’t hear criticism that we hadn’t stood up for America.
“When September 11th happened, who stood by the US? NATO invoked Article 5, meaning every member country recognised it as an armed attack.
“The UK was at the forefront from 2001 in Afghanistan, and for 20 years we stood by the US – and we will continue to stand by our allies, no matter what.
“To hear those recent words really cut deep for many people in this country. All I can say is: thank you to those who served, and to all the families who supported them.”
UK politicians from across the spectrum have panned Donald Trump’s comments, stressing the heavy toll on British and allied forces over the 20-year conflict in Afghanistan.
Downing Street insisted the US president was “wrong to downplay the contribution of NATO troops”, noting that 457 British service personnel lost their lives during the mission.
Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer described Mr Trump’s remarks as “insulting and frankly appalling”, calling for a formal apology.
The Prime Minister said: “I will never forget their courage, their bravery and the sacrifice they made for their country,
“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 and, in fact, across the country.”
“We have a very close relationship with the US, and this is important for our security, for our defence and our intelligence, and it’s very important we maintain that relationship.
Donald Trump made the comments to Fox News today
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FOX NEWS
“But it is because of that relationship that we fought alongside the Americans for our values in Afghanistan.
“And it was in that context that people who lost their lives or suffered terrible injuries fighting for freedom, fighting with our allies for what we believe in.”
In a statement to GB News, a White House spokesperson said: “President Trump is right America’s contributions to NATO dwarf that of other countries, and his success in delivering a five percent spending pledge from NATO allies is helping Europe take greater responsibility for its own defense.
“The United States is the only NATO partner who can protect Greenland, and the President is advancing NATO interests in doing so.”