Trump's comments on NATO troops in Afghanistan draw U.K. PM rebuke

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer called President Trump's claim that non-U.S. NATO troops stayed off the front lines in Afghanistan "insulting" and said Mr. Trump should apologize; the remarks drew criticism from veterans, Prince Harry and other European officials.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer publicly criticized U.S. President Donald Trump's comments that non-U.S. NATO troops "stayed a little back" during the Afghanistan campaign, saying the remark was "insulting" and "appalling" and signaling that Mr. Trump should apologize. The comments were made during an interview in Davos and prompted a strong reaction across the U.K. from political figures, veterans and members of the royal family. The debate comes amid already tense transatlantic exchanges after other recent remarks and actions by the U.S. president. Reporting describes broad public hurt in the U.K. in response to the comments. Key facts: - President Trump said non-U.S. NATO troops "stayed a little back" in an interview in Davos, Switzerland. - Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the comment as "insulting" and "appalling" and said Mr. Trump should apologize. - Veterans, Prince Harry and several European officials publicly criticized the remarks. - Reporting notes that about 150,000 British personnel served in Afghanistan and that 457 British service members were killed during the campaign. Summary: The remarks have prompted public criticism in the U.K. and added to tensions with European partners, with officials and veterans expressing hurt and demanding an apology. Whether President Trump will apologize is undetermined at this time.