British Prime Minister Keir Starmer strongly criticised U.S. President Donald Trump over his recent comments about European allies’ role in Afghanistan, calling the remarks “insulting” and “frankly appalling.” His statement came amid growing criticism from European officials, military veterans, and public figures who said Trump’s words disrespected the sacrifices made by allied troops during the Afghanistan war. 

Speaking to reporters, Starmer said: “I consider President Trump’s remarks to be insulting and frankly appalling, and I’m not surprised they’ve caused such hurt for the loved ones of those who were killed or injured.” He also responded to a question about whether he would demand an apology from Trump, saying: “If I had misspoken in that way or said those words, I would certainly apologise.” 

Britain suffered heavy losses during the Afghanistan conflict, with 457 service personnel killed. It was the country’s deadliest overseas war since the 1950s. For several of the most intense years of the conflict, Britain led the allied campaign in Helmand province, one of Afghanistan’s largest and most violent regions. Britain also fought alongside the United States as a key battlefield ally in Iraq. 

Starmer’s comments were seen as particularly strong because he has generally avoided direct public criticism of Trump in the past. The controversy began after Trump told Fox Business Network’s “Mornings with Maria” that the United States had “never needed” the transatlantic alliance and accused allies of staying “a little off the front lines” in Afghanistan. 

These remarks further strained relations between the United States and European allies, which were already tense after Trump used the World Economic Forum in Davos to again signal his interest in acquiring Greenland. 

Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel also condemned Trump’s statements, describing them as untrue and disrespectful. Britain’s Prince Harry, who served in Afghanistan, responded with a statement saying: “Those sacrifices deserve to be spoken about truthfully and with respect.” 

Criticism also came from Poland. Roman Polko, a retired Polish general and former Special Forces commander who served in Afghanistan and Iraq, said: “We expect an apology for this statement.” He added that Trump had “crossed a red line,” saying: “We paid with blood for this alliance. We truly sacrificed our own lives.” 

Britain’s veterans minister, Alistair Carns, who served five tours in the military including alongside American troops in Afghanistan, called Trump’s claims “utterly ridiculous.” In a video posted on X, he said: “We shed blood, sweat and tears together. Not everybody came home.” 

Richard Moore, former head of Britain’s MI6 intelligence service, said he and many MI6 officers had worked in dangerous environments with American counterparts. He said they had operated with “brave and highly esteemed” CIA officers and that he had been proud to work with Britain’s closest ally. 

Under NATO’s founding treaty, member countries are bound by a collective defence clause, known as Article 5, which treats an attack on one member as an attack on all. This clause has been invoked only once, after the September 11, 2001 attacks on New York and Washington, when allies pledged to support the United States. For most of the Afghanistan war, the U.S.-led force operated under NATO command. 

Some politicians also criticised Trump personally. Ed Davey, leader of Britain’s centrist Liberal Democrats, wrote on X: “Trump avoided military service 5 times. How dare he question their sacrifice?” Polish Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz said Poland’s contribution must not be forgotten, stating that Poland’s sacrifice “will never be forgotten and must not be diminished.” Danish politician Rasmus Jarlov called Trump’s comments “ignorant.” 

The scale of allied losses in Afghanistan highlights the depth of anger caused by Trump’s remarks. In addition to Britain’s 457 deaths, more than 150 Canadian troops were killed, along with 90 French service personnel and many others from Germany, Italy, and other countries. Denmark lost 44 troops, one of the highest per-capita death rates among NATO members. The United States lost around 2,460 troops in Afghanistan, according to the U.S. Department of Defense, a figure comparable per capita to Britain and Denmark. 

The reaction across Europe shows how sensitive the issue of military sacrifice remains and how deeply Trump’s words have affected allies who fought alongside the United States during one of the longest and most complex conflicts in modern history.