UK Defence Minister and Veterans Condemn Trump's Afghanistan Comments
Armed Forces Minister Al Carns, a former Royal Marines officer who served five tours in Afghanistan, has described Donald Trump's recent remarks about NATO allies' involvement in the conflict as "utterly ridiculous". The criticism comes as relatives of British service personnel killed and wounded in Afghanistan have condemned the US president's comments as "the ultimate insult".
Minister's Strong Rebuttal
Mr Carns, speaking without directly naming Mr Trump, stated: "On Afghanistan, frankly, this is utterly ridiculous. Many courageous and honourable service personnel from many nations fought on the front line. Many fought way beyond it." He emphasised the shared sacrifice between British and American forces, noting: "I served five tours in Afghanistan, many alongside my American colleagues. We shed blood, sweat and tears together. Not everybody came home."
The minister described the relationship between UK and US forces as "bonds forged in fire" and extended an invitation to critics: "I'd suggest whoever believes these comments come have a whisky with me, my colleagues, their families, and importantly, the families of those that have made the ultimate sacrifice for both of our nations."
Families' Angry Response
Diane Dernie, whose son Ben Parkinson suffered catastrophic injuries when his Army Land Rover hit a mine near Musa Qala in 2006, responded with particular anger. Mr Parkinson, a former lance bombardier in 7 Para RHA, is widely regarded as the most severely injured British soldier to survive the conflict, having lost both legs and suffered spinal and brain damage.
Mrs Dernie stated: "I can assure you, the Taliban didn't plant IEDs miles and miles back from the front line." She called on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to "stand up for his own armed forces" and "absolutely refute what Donald Trump said." Describing the comments as "the ultimate insult," she added: "Come and look at us, the life that Ben leads – 19-and-a-half years on, still fighting for his care, still fighting for him to have a decent life."
Wider Political and Military Condemnation
The controversy has drawn condemnation from across the political spectrum and from military veterans. Ian Sadler, whose son Trooper Jack Sadler was killed in Afghanistan in 2007, acknowledged that "some of the NATO troops were not on the front line in the same way the British and US troops were" but emphasised: "The British certainly were in the hot spots, they were on the front line, 457 of them were lost and there was probably three times as many seriously injured as deaths."
Robert Dicketts, whose son Oliver Dicketts was killed while serving with the Parachute Regiment in 2006, responded bluntly: "When I read it, I thought, 'What a bloody cheek!' I think my thoughts about Donald Trump are probably unprintable. To put it politely, Donald Trump's knowledge of history is lacking considerably."
Political Figures Weigh In
Conservative MP Ben Obese-Jecty, who served as a captain in Afghanistan, expressed sadness at seeing "our nation's sacrifice, and that of our NATO partners, held so cheaply by the president of the United States." Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey highlighted Mr Trump's own military service record, posting: "Trump avoided military service 5 times. How dare he question their sacrifice."
The row comes at a time of significant strain in transatlantic relations, following recent tensions over trade tariffs and security arrangements. It has reignited discussions about the substantial sacrifices made by coalition forces during the Afghanistan conflict, in which the UK suffered 457 military deaths – the second highest toll among NATO allies after the United States.
Historical Context and Irony
Critics have pointed to the particular irony of Mr Trump's comments given his own military service history. The US president avoided conscription during the Vietnam War after being diagnosed with bone spurs – a claim that has been subject to significant doubt over the years.
Former Scottish soldier and journalist Stephen Stewart commented: "It's hugely ironic that someone who allegedly dodged the draft for the Vietnam War should make such a disgraceful statement." This historical context adds another layer to the current controversy, with many questioning the appropriateness of such remarks from a leader who himself avoided combat service.
The strong reactions from serving ministers, military veterans, and bereaved families underscore the deep sensitivities surrounding the Afghanistan conflict and the enduring legacy of sacrifice made by British and allied forces during the prolonged engagement.
