Starmer, Trump Hold Call After NATO Remarks Spark UK Backlash

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer held a phone call on Saturday with U.S. President Donald Trump following controversial remarks by Trump about NATO’s role in the Afghanistan war that triggered strong criticism in the United Kingdom.

According to a statement from the UK prime minister’s office, Starmer referenced British and American troops who “fought side by side in Afghanistan,” after Trump claimed on Thursday that NATO forces stayed “a little off the front lines” during the conflict. The comments were met with backlash in the UK, with Starmer describing them as “insulting and frankly appalling.”

Trump later struck a more conciliatory tone, publicly praising British troops who served in Afghanistan. Writing on his social media platform Truth Social on Saturday, he called UK solrs “very brave,” adding that “the great and very brave solrs of the United Kingdom will always be with the United States of America.”

During their call, the two leaders also discussed the war in Ukraine, agreeing on the need to make progress toward a sustainable ceasefire. Starmer emphasized that, despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, international partners must continue supporting Ukraine in its defence against what he described as President Vladimir Putin’s “barbaric s.”

Security concerns in the Arctic were also raised, with both leaders highlighting the need to strengthen security in the region. Starmer stressed that Arctic security remains an “absolute priority” for his government.

The statement concluded by reaffirming the strength of the UK–US relationship, noting that it “continues to stand the test of time.”