Starmer Calls Trump’s Claim That NATO Troops 'Stayed Off Front Lines' 'Appalling' — UK Leaders Condemn Remarks

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer released a forceful video statement on Friday condemning former President Donald Trump’s assertion that NATO forces, including British troops in Afghanistan, remained away from frontline combat.

Starmer said the comments risk further eroding already strained transatlantic ties — tensions that, he noted, had been heightened previously by controversial remarks such as Trump’s talk of acquiring Greenland. The remarks were made during an interview with Fox Business on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos.

“We’ve never needed them,” Trump said. “We have never really asked anything of them. You know, they’ll say they sent some troops to Afghanistan or this or that. And they did. They stayed a little back, little off the front lines.”

Historically, NATO has invoked its Article 5 collective-defence clause only once — following the terrorist attacks on the United States on Sept. 11, 2001.

Paying tribute to British service members, Starmer opened his statement by remembering those who served in Afghanistan.

“Let me start by paying tribute to the 457 of our armed services who lost their lives in Afghanistan,” Starmer said. “I will never forget their courage, their bravery, and the sacrifice that they made for their country. ... I consider President Trump’s remarks to be insulting, and frankly, appalling.”

Senior UK politicians from across the political spectrum publicly rejected Trump’s comments. Defence Secretary John Healey wrote on social media: “NATO’s Article 5 has only been triggered once. The UK and NATO allies answered the US call. More than 450 British personnel lost their lives in Afghanistan. Those British troops should be remembered for who they were: heroes who gave their lives in service of our nation.”

Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch released a video message calling Trump’s claims “absolute nonsense,” saying such remarks are factually incorrect, weaken NATO and dishonour the memory of those who served.

Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey added: “457 British troops lost their lives in Afghanistan. Trump avoided military service five times. How dare he question their sacrifice.” He also criticised political figures who continue to praise Trump.

As of publication, Trump had not publicly responded to the backlash from UK political leaders and veterans’ groups.

Why this matters: The exchange underscores ongoing sensitivities around NATO’s role, the legacy of the Afghanistan campaign and the fragility of relations between some US figures and European allies.