US President Donald Trump greets Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer in October 2025.Keir Starmer’s spokesperson hit back at Donald Trump over his claim that Nato troops stayed away from the frontlines while fighting in Afghanistan.The US president has sparked a row with allies after insisting the defence alliance has “never” helped America – despite clear evidence to the contrary.As the prime minister’s representative told reporters: “The president was wrong to diminish the role of Nato troops, including British forces, in Afghanistan.“Following the 9/11 attacks on the US, Article 5 of the Nato treaty was invoked for the first time and British forces served alongside American and other allied troops in sustained combat operations – 457 British service personnel lost their lives in Afghanistan and many more were wounded.“Many hundreds suffered life-changing injuries from their service, alongside the US and our allies in Afghanistan.“Their sacrifice and that of other Nato forces was made in the service of collective security and in response to an attack on our ally.“We are incredibly proud of our armed forces and their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”The spokesperson refused to say if Starmer was hoping to speak to Trump over his offensive comments.The US president repeatedly told the World Economic Forum in Davos this week that Nato has never come to America’s aid, while trying to rally support for his now-abandoned bid to take over Greenland from Denmark.But Nato chief Mark Rutte soon reminded Trump of the Afghanistan war, saying: “For every two Americans who paid the ultimate price, there was one soldier from another Nato country who did not come back to his family.”But Trump doubled down on his claim, later telling Fox News: “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 frontlines.”Furious reactions have continued to pour in from British MPs – both within government and from the opposition – over Trump’s remarks.Defence secretary John Healey said: “Nato’s Article 5 has only been triggered once. The UK and Nato allies answered the US call.“And 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.”Veterans minister Al Carns also released a social media video, saying: “On Afghanistan, frankly, it’s utterly ridiculous. Many courageous and honourable service personnel from many nations fought on the front lines.“Many fought way beyond it. I served five tours in Afghanistan, many alongside my American colleagues. We shed blood, sweat and tears together. And not everybody came home.“These are bonds, I think, forged in fire, protecting us, our shared interests, but actually protecting democracy overall.“I suggest whoever believes these comments, come have a whisky with me, my colleagues, their families and importantly, the families of those that have made the ultimate sacrifice for both of our nations.”Liberal Democrat defence spokesperson James MacCleary said: “Trump’s lies about the British soldiers who laid down their lives in Afghanistan are disgraceful. The President shows his true colours in denigrating the best of us – those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.“Keir Starmer must summon the US ambassador over this insult to our brave troops.”Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said: “Trump saying Nato allies ‘weren’t on the front line’ in Afghanistan is flat-out nonsense. British, Canadian, and Nato troops fought and died alongside the US for 20 years. This is a fact, not opinion. Their sacrifice deserves respect not denigration.”Tory MP Simon Hoare said: “Frankly Trump makes my flesh creep and my stomach turn. Where are his advisors? Where is his nurse? Where is his sense of shame?”Shadow science minister Ben Spencer said: “In a country renowned for its respect for service men and women, it is astounding and shameful that the US president to show such contempt for the service of others.”Related…’How Dare He?’ Trump Sparks Fury From Senior Labour MP Over Afghanistan ClaimsUS Allies Say They’ve Never Been So Freaked Out By TrumpTrump’s Daughter-In-Law Fawns Over MAGA Leader For ‘Saving More Lives Than Anyone’ Alive HuffPost UK – Athena2 – All Entries (Public) Read More