According to the BBC, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer sharply reacted to Trump's words, calling them "offensive and outrageous." In his address from Downing Street, he honored the memory of 457 British soldiers who died in Afghanistan and emphasized that many of them sustained life-changing injuries. When asked about a possible apology from Trump, Starmer noted that in such a situation he would "certainly apologize."
Former military member Prince Harry also commented on the matter, stating that "thousands of lives have been changed forever," and these sacrifices deserve respectful and truthful treatment. UK Defense Secretary Jon Healey described the fallen soldiers as "heroes who gave their lives for our nation."
Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch called Trump's comments a disgrace, stating that such remarks only weaken the important ties between allies. Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, reminded that Trump avoided military service during the Vietnam War five times. Even Nigel Farage, who previously supported Trump, described his words as "simply incorrect," pointing out that the British armed forces "bravely fought alongside the US in Afghanistan" for 20 years.
