UK Defence Minister and Veterans Condemn Trump's Afghanistan Remarks
Armed Forces Minister Al Carns has described Donald Trump's recent comments about NATO allies in Afghanistan as "utterly ridiculous," sparking widespread condemnation from military families and political figures across the spectrum. The former US president suggested during a Fox News interview that American allies "stayed a little back, a little off the front lines" during the conflict.
Minister's Personal Experience Counters Claims
Mr Carns, a former Royal Marines colonel who served five tours in Afghanistan, directly challenged the assertion. "Many courageous and honourable service personnel from many nations fought on the front line. Many fought way beyond it," he stated, emphasising the shared sacrifices between British and American forces. "I served five tours in Afghanistan, many alongside my American colleagues. We shed blood, sweat and tears together. Not everybody came home."
The minister highlighted the profound bonds formed during the conflict, describing them as "forged in fire, protecting the US, our shared interests, but actually protecting democracy overall." He 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 of Fallen Soldiers Express Outrage
Relatives of British personnel killed and injured in Afghanistan have expressed profound anger at Mr Trump's remarks. Diane Dernie, whose son Ben Parkinson suffered catastrophic injuries when his vehicle hit a mine in 2006, called the comments "the ultimate insult."
"I can assure you, the Taliban didn't plant IEDs miles and miles back from the front line," Mrs Dernie stated, urging Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to "stand up for his own armed forces" and refute the claims. She described her son's ongoing struggles nearly two decades after his injury, emphasising the lasting impact of frontline service.
Ian Sadler, whose son Jack was killed in Afghanistan in 2007, acknowledged some variation in NATO troop deployments but stressed British forces' frontline role. "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," he noted.
Political and Military Figures Unite in Criticism
Defence Secretary John Healey reminded critics that "NATO's Article 5 has only been triggered once. The UK and NATO allies answered the US call. And more than 450 British personnel lost their lives in Afghanistan." He described fallen British troops as "heroes who gave their lives in service of our nation."
The condemnation extended across party lines. Labour MP Calvin Bailey, a former RAF officer who served alongside US special operations units, said Mr Trump's claim "bears no resemblance to the reality experienced by those of us who served there." Conservative MP Ben Obese-Jecty, who served as an army captain in Afghanistan, expressed sadness "to see our nation's sacrifice, and that of our NATO partners, held so cheaply by the president of the United States."
Historical Context and Personal Records Scrutinised
Critics have highlighted the historical context of NATO's collective defence commitment, noting that Article 5 was invoked only once following the September 11 attacks, prompting the allied response in Afghanistan. They also pointed to Mr Trump's own military service record, with Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey noting on social media: "Trump avoided military service 5 times. How dare he question their sacrifice."
Former Scottish soldier Stephen Stewart added: "It's hugely ironic that someone who allegedly dodged the draft for the Vietnam War should make such a disgraceful statement." The controversy comes amid ongoing strain in transatlantic relations following Mr Trump's previous threats of tariffs against European nations.
The UK suffered 457 military deaths in Afghanistan, the second highest toll among coalition partners after the United States' 2,461 fatalities. Overall, America's allies accounted for approximately one-third of total coalition deaths in the conflict.
