Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:09am on 24 Jan 2026,Saturday International
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer criticised US President Donald Trump over comments suggesting British and NATO troops were not on the front lines in Afghanistan. Starmer said the remarks were “insulting and frankly appalling” and caused pain to veterans and families of the fallen. He said he would apologise if he had made such comments. Trump repeated his view in an interview, saying NATO troops stayed “a little off the frontlines.” Downing Street said Trump was wrong to downplay the role of UK forces. Officials noted British troops served in sustained combat operations alongside allies. The UK lost 457 soldiers in Afghanistan, with many more wounded. (PC: Sky News)
