Vice President JD Vance is facing heavy criticism after making dismissive remarks about Britain’s military contributions.
In an interview on Fox News, Vance downplayed the UK’s role in modern warfare, suggesting that Britain was “some random country that hasn’t fought a war in 30 or 40 years.”
His comments have triggered outrage among military veterans, politicians, and the public, with many calling for an apology.
Military Veterans and MPs Demand Apology
British MPs and military veterans were quick to condemn Vance’s remarks, highlighting the significant sacrifices made by UK troops in recent conflicts.
Since 2001, 636 British service members lost their lives in Afghanistan and Iraq, fighting alongside the United States after the 9/11 attacks.
Critics accused Vance of “erasing from history” the contributions and sacrifices of British soldiers, calling his comments “deeply disrespectful.”
Tensions Rise Over Ukraine Peacekeeping Plans
Vance’s remarks come amid growing transatlantic tensions over UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s proposed “coalition of the willing” to help secure peace in Ukraine.
While Britain and France have pledged support for a peacekeeping force, Vance dismissed the idea and instead pushed for Ukraine to sign a minerals deal with the U.S.
He argued that securing American economic interests in Ukraine was a “better security guarantee” than deploying troops from allied nations.
Attempted Damage Control
As the backlash intensified, Vance attempted to clarify his remarks, insisting he had not been referring specifically to Britain or France.
He claimed his statement was being taken out of context, arguing that some countries expressing support for Ukraine lacked the military experience or resources to make a real impact.
However, this explanation did little to appease critics, who saw his comments as an insult to longstanding U.S.-UK military cooperation.
British Leaders Respond
Downing Street swiftly rebuked Vance’s comments, with Starmer’s spokesperson reaffirming Britain’s commitment to its troops and their sacrifices.
Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge reminded Vance that NATO allies, including Britain and France, had rushed to America’s aid after 9/11, with thousands of personnel deployed to Afghanistan.
Former Armed Forces Minister James Heappey, a veteran himself, expressed disappointment at Vance’s words, calling them an unfair reduction of the UK-U.S. military alliance.
Other British politicians, including former veterans minister Johnny Mercer and Tory MP Ben Obese-Jecty, who served in both Iraq and Afghanistan, criticized Vance for failing to recognize the price Britain has paid in blood and treasure.
Calls for Vance to Visit War Memorials
In response to the controversy, former SAS soldier and best-selling author Andy McNab invited Vance to visit Britain’s war memorials to read the names of those who fought alongside American troops.
Liberal Democrat MP Helen Maguire, who served in Iraq, called on the UK’s ambassador to the U.S. to demand an apology from Vance, accusing him of attempting to erase the sacrifices of British soldiers from history.
Trump Administration’s Shift on Ukraine
Vance’s comments come at a time of shifting U.S. policy on Ukraine.
Former President Donald Trump has halted military aid to Kyiv, raising concerns among European allies.
The White House announced that all military assistance was “under review,” leading to speculation that Trump’s administration is pressuring Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to make concessions to Russia.
Reports also suggest that Trump officials are considering easing sanctions on Russian President Vladimir Putin, adding to the uncertainty surrounding Western support for Ukraine.
UK’s Commitment to Ukraine Remains Firm
Despite the shifting stance in Washington, the UK has reiterated its commitment to supporting Ukraine.
The British government has pledged £3 billion in annual military aid and additional financial backing through a £2.26 billion loan using frozen Russian assets.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner acknowledged the seriousness of the situation but emphasized that securing peace in Ukraine remains a priority for the UK.
The Future of Western Alliances
As tensions grow, European leaders are scrambling to solidify their support for Ukraine.
Starmer has been working to build a “coalition of the willing” to ensure security guarantees for Kyiv, but his plans heavily rely on continued U.S. backing.
The uncertainty surrounding Trump’s approach to Ukraine has raised concerns that Europe may need to strengthen its own defense capabilities in the absence of firm American support.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch echoed these concerns, warning that the UK and Europe must “rearm faster” in response to America’s shifting stance.
As the situation unfolds, Britain and its allies will need to navigate an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape while ensuring Ukraine receives the necessary support to resist Russian aggression.
What’s Next?
With diplomatic tensions high and criticism mounting, JD Vance may face further pressure to clarify or retract his comments.
Meanwhile, the UK government remains steadfast in its commitment to honoring military sacrifices and supporting Ukraine.
As political dynamics shift, the coming weeks will reveal how these controversies shape future transatlantic relations and the ongoing war in Ukraine.