Starmer accuses Trump of diminishing sacrifice of Nato troops in Afghanistan [View all]
Source: The Guardian
Fri 23 Jan 2026 08.46 EST
First published on Fri 23 Jan 2026 02.58 EST
Keir Starmer has accused Donald Trump of “diminishing” the sacrifice of fallen British soldiers by claiming that those who fought in Afghanistan avoided the frontlines, as the US president faced a fierce backlash from all sides of the UK political spectrum as well as the families of veterans.
Trump’s suggestion that Nato troops stayed “a little off the frontlines” in Afghanistan has resurfaced questions about his own avoidance of military service in Vietnam.
Starmer’s official spokesman said: “The president was wrong to diminish the role of Nato troops, including British forces in Afghanistan […] We are incredibly proud of our armed forces and the sacrifice that they have given.”
Trump’s remarks drew condemnation from across the political spectrum, with critics pointing to the 457 British deaths in Afghanistan and Trump’s own lack of a military record. Trump has previously been criticised for avoiding being conscripted to fight in Vietnam after being diagnosed with bone spurs in his heels – a medical claim that has been subject to significant doubt.
Read more: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/23/donald-trump-outrage-nato-troops-avoided-afghanistan-frontline
= new reply since forum marked as read