Keir Starmer has hit back at JD Vance after the US vice-president appeared to mock the UK’s and France’s military contributions.
The controversy
Speaking to Fox News, Vance downplayed European security guarantees for Ukraine, arguing that economic incentives for the US would be more effective than military support.
He said:
“That is a way better security guarantee than 20,000 troops from some random country that hasn’t fought a war in 30 or 40 years.”
His comments seemed to target the UK and France, the only two nations so far to pledge troops if a peace deal with Russia is reached.
Critics were quick to point out that more than 600 British soldiers lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan while fighting alongside American forces.
Vance later denied he was referring to the UK and France but refused to clarify which countries he meant.
Starmer’s powerful response
During prime minister’s questions, Starmer marked the anniversaries of British soldiers who died in Afghanistan, paying tribute to their service.
“These men fought and died for their country, and across the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, 642 individuals died fighting for Britain alongside our allies. Many more were wounded. We will never forget their bravery and their sacrifice.”
MPs across the political spectrum condemned Vance’s remarks.
Shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge called them “deeply disrespectful,” while army veteran and Liberal Democrat defence spokesperson Helen Maguire accused him of trying to “erase from history” the British soldiers who died in Iraq and Afghanistan.
“Six of my own regiment, the Royal Military Police, didn’t return home from Iraq. This is a sinister attempt to deny that reality.”
A rare moment of defence
However, Vance found support from Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, who said:
“I know JD Vance well. I’ve looked at the comments. I don’t actually think he said that.”
With tensions running high, it seems this debate isn’t going away anytime soon.
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