Families of British soldiers who served and died in Afghanistan have vehemently condemned remarks made by US President Donald Trump, who suggested that NATO allies remained 'a little off the front lines' during the conflict. These comments were widely described as 'shocking', 'disgusting', and 'an insult' by those who lost loved ones, as well as by injured veterans and politicians across the UK.

Mr. Trump sparked outrage during a Fox News interview where he reiterated doubts about NATO's commitment to America, stating, 'We've never needed them. They'll say they sent some troops to Afghanistan... and they did, they stayed a little back, a little off the front lines.' This assertion directly contradicted the experiences and sacrifices of British forces, who suffered the second-highest number of military deaths—457—in Afghanistan, behind only the US with 2,461. The only time NATO's mutual defense arrangement, Article 5, was invoked was after the September 11, 2001, attacks on the US, leading to allied support in Afghanistan.

Luke Webb, brother of Lance Corporal Jamie Webb, who died aged 24 in Helmand province in March 2013, described Trump's comments as 'shocking' and 'very personal'. He emphasized that Jamie served alongside US Marines and was unequivocally 'on the front line', recounting an attack involving half a ton of explosives and 40 Taliban fighters. Despite their pain, the Webb family, from Handforth, expressed a willingness to meet President Trump, even offering a meal at McDonald's for reconciliation, believing an educational conversation could show him their grief and the reality of their son's sacrifice. Jamie had overcome two brain operations to return to active duty, demonstrating his dedication.

The family of Guardsman Neil 'Tony' Downes, who was killed at 20 in a landmine blast in Helmand in 2007, also criticized Trump. His parents, Ronnie and Sheryl, expressed their fury, with Sheryl questioning, 'How were they all killed if they were not on the front line then? If he wasn't on the front line why is my son dead?' They also called for President Trump to meet with veterans and the families of the fallen.

Lorraine McClure, mother of Aaron McClure, a 19-year-old soldier killed by a US 'friendly fire' bomb in 2007, demanded a public apology from Trump. She stated she was 'angry and cut up' by the 'insult' to the memory of the 457 British troops who served on the front line, including her son. Ms. McClure highlighted that Aaron was 'in the thick of it all' and died 'fighting on the FRONTLINE,' alongside two others. She noted the lack of an apology from the American military regarding the incident and emphasized the importance of remembering Aaron and other fallen soldiers. Her Facebook post featuring pictures of fallen British soldiers and a crying emoji powerfully conveyed her outrage.

Veterans also spoke out forcefully against Trump's remarks. Corporal Andy Reid, who lost both legs and his right arm after stepping on an IED in Afghanistan in October 2009, called the comments 'very disappointing and upsetting'. He affirmed, 'I was clearly serving on the front line when I got injured. Myself and my colleagues paid the ultimate sacrifice. We served alongside American soldiers as well.' Diane Dernie, mother of Ben Parkinson, one of the most severely injured British soldiers to survive Afghanistan, was 'stunned' by the comments, asserting, 'the Taliban didn't plant IEDs miles and miles back from the front line.'

The criticism extended deeply into the political sphere. Downing Street, led by Prime Minister's spokesman, stated that the president was 'wrong in diminishing the sacrifice and service of our troops,' affirming their service was for 'collective security' and in response to an attack on an ally. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer led a 'chorus of fury', while Tory leader Kemi Badenoch called Trump's statements 'flat-out nonsense,' insisting that the sacrifices of those who 'fought and died alongside the US' deserve 'respect not denigration.' Labour's Defence Secretary John Healey hailed British troops as 'heroes,' and Armed Forces Minister Al Cairns, who served five tours in Afghanistan, described the words as 'utterly ridiculous.' Nigel Farage, typically an ally of Trump, publicly distanced himself, calling the president 'unfair' and 'wrong' regarding the UK and other nations like Denmark, stating, 'For 20 years our armed forces fought bravely alongside America's in Afghanistan.' Other politicians, including Stephen Kinnock, Ben Obese-Jecty, Calvin Bailey, Tan Dhesi, Emily Thornberry, Sir Ed Davey, and Robert Jenrick, universally condemned Trump's comments as offensive and disrespectful.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte provided a stark rebuttal to Trump in Davos, stating that 'one NATO soldier died for every two Americans' in Afghanistan. He countered Trump's doubt about European support by emphasizing, 'If ever the United States were under attack, your allies will be with you. There is an absolute guarantee.' Rutte's correction highlighted the substantial sacrifices made by allied nations, including Denmark, which had the highest per capita death toll among coalition forces.