Iraq Veteran MP Condemns JD Vance for Ignoring British Military Sacrifice
U.S. Vice President JD Vance was criticized for claiming Britain hasn’t fought a war in years, undermining British military contributions in Iraq and Afghanistan. UK leaders, including Keir Starmer and former service members, expressed outrage over his comments, emphasizing the sacrifices made by hundreds of British troops. Vance defended his remarks but faced pushback from various political figures regarding the history of military collaboration between the U.S. and UK.
JD Vance, the U.S. Vice President, faced strong criticism for his claim that Britain “hasn’t fought a war in 30 or 40 years.” This statement was seen as an attempt to undermine the sacrifices of British armed forces who fought alongside U.S. troops in conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, resulting in the deaths of 636 British soldiers. UK Labour leader Keir Starmer voiced his admiration for the bravery of these troops, emphasizing the need to remember their sacrifices.
Liberal Democrat defense spokesman Helen Maguire, a former Royal Military Police captain, condemned Vance’s remarks as an erasure of British military history. She highlighted that she witnessed firsthand the collaboration between American and British soldiers, with several of her regiment members dying in Iraq. Maguire urged Lord Mandelson, the British ambassador to the U.S., to demand an apology from Vance.
In a Fox News interview, Vance asserted that economic incentives need to accompany U.S. military support for Ukraine and claimed that sending troops from “some random country” lacking recent military experience was inadvisable. Despite the backlash, he maintained that his comments were not aimed specifically at the UK or France, which he acknowledged for their military contributions over the last two decades.
The backlash against Vance included remarks from former Tory veterans minister Johnny Mercer, who criticized the Vice President as a “clown” who fails to recognize the sacrifices made by service members. Mercer referenced Vance’s own experience in the military and suggested that a deeper engagement in military service could temper his dismissive comments. Other political figures highlighted Britain’s significant contributions to NATO and past military operations.
Labour MP David Taylor noted that 457 British personnel died while serving in Afghanistan, asserting that Vance’s comments do not diminish the accomplishments and sacrifices made by British forces. Historical acknowledgments of Britain’s role alongside American forces include praise from former President George W. Bush for the UK’s partnership in the Iraq War. Vance has previously drawn ire for comments related to various foreign policy issues involving European allies.
JD Vance’s dismissive comments about British military contributions have drawn widespread condemnation from UK politicians and veterans. Key figures have emphasized the sacrifices made by British service members in Iraq and Afghanistan alongside American forces. The backlash highlights the importance of recognizing allied contributions to military operations and the implications of public remarks made by senior officials.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
