Keir Starmer and Donald Trump speak on phone after Afghanistan clash | Politics | News
President Trump and Sir Keir Starmer have spoken as the US leader scrambled to undo the damage caused when he suggested NATO troops stayed away from the frontline in Afghanistan.
Mr Trump said in a social media post: “The great and very brave soldiers of the United Kingdom will always be with the United States of America! In Afghanistan, 457 died, many were badly injured, and they were among the greatest of all warriors. It’s a bond too strong to ever be broken. The UK military, with tremendous heart and soul, is second to none (except for the USA!). We love you all and always will.”
A Downing Street spokesperson described the call with the Prime Minister, saying: “The Prime Minister raised the brave and heroic British and American soldiers who fought side by side in Afghanistan, many of whom never returned home. We must never forget their sacrifice, he said.’
The conversation follows some of the greatest tension in UK-US relations in decades, with the PM opposing Mr Trump’s ambitions to take hold of Greenland and the President attacking Labour’s deal to hand sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.
Sir Keir delivered his strongest rebuke yet after Mr Trump claimed NATO allies in Afghanistan stayed “a little back” from the frontline. He described the remarks as “insulting and frankly appalling”.
The two men also discussed the crisis in Ukraine.
The Downing Street spokesperson said: “As Ukraine approaches the fourth year of war since Russia‘s full-scale invasion, the leaders agreed on the need to see progress towards a sustainable ceasefire. Whilst diplomatic efforts continue, the Prime Minister reiterated that international partners must continue to support Ukraine in its defence against Putin’s barbaric attacks.
“The leaders also discussed the need for bolstered security in the Arctic, and the Prime Minister said it was an absolute priority for his government.
“The leaders discussed the importance of the UK-US relationship, which continues to stand the test of time.”
Shadow Foreign Secretary Dame Priti Patel said: “President Trump is right to recognise America’s appreciation for the incredible bravery of our armed forces.
“British soldiers fought and died on the front line in Afghanistan and other conflicts, shoulder to shoulder with the US and other NATO allies in defence of our shared values and security.
“Trump’s comments earlier this week were disgraceful. Kemi Badenoch called for him to show respect and honour our soldiers’ sacrifice and it is right that he has now done so. The US is our closest ally and we must always work together to face the shared threats and challenges in an increasingly uncertain world.”
