Donald Trump Praises British Soldiers Amid NATO Row

Donald Trump has praised “the great and very brave soldiers of the United Kingdom” as he backed down after a furious row erupted over his comments about the contribution Nato troops made in Afghanistan.

The US president paid tribute to the 457 British soldiers who lost their life in the war, which was triggered by the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Centre.

To date, it is the only time Nato has triggered Article 5, which states all members must come to the aid of another if they are attacked.

In remarks which drew widespread condemnation, including from Keir Starmer, Trump said the military alliance has never come to America’s aid.

He said: “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.”

It is understood Starmer, who called his comments “frankly appalling” and suggested Trump should apologise, raised the matter in a phone call with the president on Saturday.

Shortly afterwards, Trump posted: “The GREAT and very BRAVE soldiers of the United Kingdom will always be with the United States of America! In Afghanistan, 457 died, many were badly injured, and they were among the greatest of all warriors. It’s a bond too strong to ever be broken. The U.K. Military, with tremendous Heart and Soul, is second to none (except for the U.S.A.!). We love you all, and always will! ”

A Downing Street spokesperson said: “The prime minister raised the brave and heroic British and American soldiers who fought side by side in Afghanistan, many of whom never returned home. We must never forget their sacrifice, he said.”

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said: “I’m pleased President Trump has now acknowledged the role of the British armed forces and those brave men and women who gave their lives fighting alongside the US and our allies.

“It should never have been questioned in the first place.”