In a significant diplomatic development, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and former US President Donald Trump have spoken on the phone, seeking to mend the rift that emerged following Trump’s controversial remarks about NATO’s role in the Afghanistan conflict.
The call came after Starmer strongly condemned Trump’s earlier suggestion that British and other NATO troops had “stayed a little back” from the frontlines in Afghanistan. Describing the comments as “insulting and frankly appalling,” the Prime Minister used the conversation to highlight the “brave and heroic” sacrifices made by British and American soldiers who fought side-by-side in the war-torn country, many of whom never returned home.
A Downing Street spokesperson said the leaders had agreed on the need to “never forget their sacrifice,” underscoring the enduring strength of the UK-US relationship, which has weathered a series of recent challenges.
Beyond Afghanistan, the two leaders also discussed the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, with Starmer reiterating the importance of continued international support for Kyiv in the face of Russia’s “barbaric attacks.” They further agreed on the need to bolster security cooperation in the Arctic region, an area of growing geopolitical significance.
Dame Priti Patel, the Shadow Foreign Secretary, welcomed Trump’s recognition of the “incredible bravery” of British armed forces, describing the former President’s initial remarks as “disgraceful.” She stressed the importance of the UK and US working together to confront shared threats and challenges in an increasingly uncertain world.
The phone call represents a diplomatic effort to repair the strains that have emerged in the traditionally close UK-US relationship in recent years, marked by disagreements over issues such as the Chagos Islands and Trump’s ambitions regarding Greenland. By reaffirming their shared commitment to global security and the sacrifices of their military personnel, Starmer and Trump have sought to chart a path forward for the enduring alliance.
