The United Kingdom’s reaction was both prompt and direct. British veterans and military leaders denounced Vance’s remarks, drawing attention to the 636 British soldiers who perished in Iraq and Afghanistan. Notable veterans, such as Johnny Mercer and Andy McNab, criticized Vance for what they perceived as a lack of respect for allied forces. Former military officials, including Lord West and General Sir Patrick Sanders, also voiced their disapproval, highlighting the strong ties and shared sacrifices between the UK and the U.S. Political figures in the UK echoed these views, with Shadow Defense Secretary James Cartlidge emphasizing Britain’s significant military contributions and labeling Vance’s comments as “deeply disrespectful.” Former Foreign Secretary James Cleverly and other Members of Parliament joined the chorus of criticism, urging Vance to recognize the shared history and sacrifices of British and American troops. Prime Minister Keir Starmer reaffirmed the nation’s pride in its military’s historical sacrifices and stressed the importance of mutual respect among allies.
In light of the escalating backlash, Vice President Vance sought to clarify his statements, claiming that his remarks were not aimed specifically at the UK or France, but rather at nations without recent combat experience. Nevertheless, this clarification has ignited a wider conversation about the need for diplomatic sensitivity, particularly when discussing the contributions of long-standing allies.
