The PM gave paid tribute to British troops who died fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq after JD Vance suggested the UK was a ‘random country that hasn’t fought a war in 30 years’
PMQs: Keir Starmer’s powerful swipe at JD Vance
Keir Starmer made a veiled swipe at US Vice President JD Vance in an emotional tribute to brave British troops during PMQs.
In his first grilling by MPs since his diplomatic blitz on the world stage, the PM gave a powerful speech paying tribute to the 642 British individuals who died fighting alongside our allies in Afghanistan and Iraq. “We will never forget their bravery and their sacrifice,” he said.
The sombre opening appeared to be a jibe at Mr Vance, who yesterday appeared to brand the “some random country that hasn’t fought a war in 30 years”. After fierce criticism Donald Trump’s sidekick claimed he was not talking about the UK or France and said such accusations were “absurdly dishonest”.
In a poignant moment, MPs fell silent as the Prime Minister told them: “Tomorrow marks 13 years since six young British soldiers were on patrol in Afghanistan when their vehicle was struck by an explosive, tragically killing them all. Sergeant Nigel Coupe was 33, Corporal Jake Hartley was 20, Private Anthony Frampton was 20, Private Daniel Wade was 20, Private Daniel Wilford was 21 and Private Christopher Kershaw was just 19, a teenager.
“Tomorrow also marks the 18th anniversary of the death of Benjamin Reddy, a 22 year old serving with 42 commando Royal Marines killed in Helmand Province in 2007. These men fought and died for their country, our country, and across the wars in Afghanistan and Iran, 642 individuals died fighting for Britain alongside our allies, many more were wounded. We will never forget their bravery and their sacrifice, and I know the whole house will join in me in remembering them and all those who serve our country.”
The row erupted on Monday night after Mr Vance said in a Fox News interview: “If you want real security guarantees, if you want to actually ensure that Vladimir Putin does not invade Ukraine again, the very best security guarantee is to give Americans economic upside in the future of Ukraine. That is a way better security guarantee than 20,000 troops from some random country that hasn’t fought a war in 30 or 40 years.”
After a huge backlash from families of troops and British politicians, the Republican politician tried to roll back and say he didn’t mention the UK or France in the clip, “both of whom have fought bravely alongside the US over the last 20 years, and beyond”. But it is widely believed he was referring to the two countries, as they are the only two nations who have officially pledged to send peacekeeping troops to Ukraine.
But it is widely believed he was referring to the two countries as he made the comment in relation to nations who said they’d send The UK and France are the only two nations who have officially pledged to send peacekeeping troops to Ukraine.
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The Prime Minister was also questioned by Tory leader Kemi Badenoch for the first time since his whirlwind trip to meet with Donald Trump in the White House last week. She raised concerns with the PM about British troops fighting in Ukraine – and about the UK being drawn into conflict with Russia. Mr Starmer said this is the “last thing anybody wants to see” and is the “whole point” of ensuring there’s a lasting peace deal.
Since Mr Starmer’s visit, the world has watched in shock as events have chaotically unfolded. Notably Mr Trump and his sidekick JD Vance launched an embarrassing diatribe on Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office, days before they suspended all military aid to the war-torn country.
Tensions appeared to settle in the last 24 hours with Mr Trump welcoming a letter from Mr Zelensky to smooth things over. The Ukrainian President wrote that he is ready to sign a minerals agreement “at any time” with the US.
Mr Starmer has been in constant conversation with both men – and has been leading the front in Europe with French President Emmanuel Macron. MPs on Monday displayed a rare united front in the Commons in praising the PM’s response to the fast-moving situation.
