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British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has hit back at US President Donald Trump's claims that British troops were not on the front lines in Afghanistan. Starmer called the claims "insulting and frankly appalling" and suggested Trump should apologise.
Veterans and their families, as well as lawmakers from all parties, have also reacted to Trump's statements.
In an interview with Fox News in Davos, Trump repeated his criticism, saying he wasn't sure if the military alliance would be there if we ever needed them. "We never needed them. They'll say they sent some troops to Afghanistan and they did, they stood a little bit on the sidelines, a little bit away from the front lines," Trump said.
But on Friday afternoon, Sir Keir said: "I find President Trump's comments offensive and frankly, appalling.
"And I'm not surprised that they have caused so much hurt to the loved ones of those who were killed or injured," Sir Keir added.
He added that if he had said something like that, "he would certainly apologize."
Earlier, Downing Street said Mr Trump had been "wrong" to reduce the role of NATO and British troops in Afghanistan.
The prime minister's official spokesman said UK forces had served alongside the US and NATO in "sustained combat operations".
Referring to the 457 British deaths in Afghanistan and "hundreds" of others who were injured, he added: "We are immensely proud of our armed forces and their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten."
America is the only NATO member to have invoked the collective security provisions of the Article 5 clause - that an attack against one member is an attack against all.
Diane Dernie, whose son, Ben Parkinson, suffered horrific injuries when his vehicle was hit by a mine in Afghanistan in 2006, said the US president's comments were "the ultimate insult".
Parkinson is widely seen as the most seriously wounded British soldier to survive the war.
The explosion left the former soldier with both legs amputated, a twisted spine and brain damage.
His mother said, “I can assure you, the Taliban did not plant IEDs [improvised explosive devices] miles and miles away from the front line.”
"Come and see us, the life that Ben leads, 19 and a half years later, still fighting for his care, still fighting for him to have a good life, recovering from a recent operation.
"To hear this man say, 'Oh, well, he just bragged behind the front lines'... It's the biggest insult."
She said Sir Keir Starmer "must defend his armed forces and must absolutely reject what Donald Trump said".
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