Trump climbs down over slur on UK soldiers in Afghanistan after backlash

Donald Trump has backed off his insults against British soldiers in Afghanistan after sparking widespread outrage with false claims he made about NATO allies.

The US president has now paid tribute to the “great and very brave soldiers of the United Kingdom”, after previously claiming that NATO allies had stayed away from the front lines during the war in Afghanistan.

Sir Keir Starmer is understood to have raised Trump’s comments directly with the US president in a meeting on Saturday.

The Prime Minister had joined veterans and politicians from across the political spectrum in condemning Trump’s false claims; Sir Keir described them as “appalling” and demanded an apology.

The US president said in a social media post on Saturday afternoon: “The great and very brave soldiers of the United Kingdom will always stand with the United States of America.

“There were 457 dead in Afghanistan, many seriously wounded, and they were among the best of all fighters.

“This is a bond so strong it can never be broken.

“The UK military is second to none (other than the US) with tremendous heart and soul.

“We love you all and always will! President Donald J Trump.”

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