US Vice President JD Vance has come under fire for remarks that appeared to downplay Britain’s military contributions, dismissing the United Kingdom as “some random country that hasn’t fought a war in 30 or 40 years.”
His statement has drawn sharp criticism from politicians, military officials, and veterans, who argue that his comments ignore the sacrifices made by British troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.
More than 600 British soldiers lost their lives fighting alongside US forces in those conflicts, and many have condemned what they see as an attempt to erase that history.
UK’s Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, responded stating that he has “full admiration” for the “courage and bravery” of British troops who served alongside American forces. Former soldier and current Member of Parliament, Johnny Mercer, also labeled Mr. Vance a “clown” and called on him to “check his privilege.”
Liberal Democrat defense spokesperson Helen Maguire, a former captain in the Royal Military Police who served in Iraq, criticized Vance’s remarks as “erasing from history the hundreds of British troops who gave their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan.” She has urged Britain’s ambassador to the US, Lord Mandelson, to demand an apology from the vice president.
Following widespread outrage, Mr. Vance took to social media to clarify his comments, insisting it was “absurdly dishonest” to suggest he was referring specifically to the UK or France, “both of whom have fought bravely alongside the US over the last 20 years, and beyond.”
“Let’s be direct: there are many countries who are volunteering (privately or publicly) support who have neither the battlefield experience nor the military equipment to do anything meaningful.”
JD Vance
His comments come amid growing discussions about international involvement in Ukraine. Britain and France have indicated their willingness to send troops as part of a peacekeeping force should a deal be reached to end the war.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has also stated he would be “open to consideration” of such a proposal, while Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said everything is “on the table.”
Vance’s suggestion that Ukraine should offer “economic upside” to the US in exchange for security guarantees has also sparked debate. He warned Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that if he wanted “real security guarantees” to deter future Russian aggression, he would need to ensure America benefited financially from Ukraine’s future.
Criticism From Across the Political Spectrum
Criticism of Vance’s remarks has come from across the political spectrum, with Conservative and Labour politicians alike condemning his words. Shadow Defense Secretary James Cartlidge reminded the vice president that NATO’s Article 5 has been invoked only once — “on 12/9/01 by the USA, after 9/11” — and that the UK and France “came to their aid, deploying thousands of personnel to Afghanistan.”
Labour MP David Taylor also weighed in, stating: “These shameful remarks will never undo their sacrifice or the gratitude this nation has for their defense of British values.”
Even within American political circles, Vance’s comments have drawn scrutiny. Former Republican President George W. Bush previously praised Britain’s role in the Iraq War, with his spokesperson, Freddy Ford, emphasizing Britain’s grit.
“He is deeply grateful for the service and sacrifice of American and coalition forces in the war on terror. And there was no stronger ally than the United Kingdom under the leadership of Prime Minister Tony Blair.”
Freddy Ford
The controversy is the latest in a string of instances where Vance has sparked tensions with America’s European allies. During the recent Munich Security Conference, he faced backlash for his remarks on immigration and free speech, further straining diplomatic relations.
As the fallout continues, many are calling on the vice president to issue a formal apology, but so far, he has stood by his statements.
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