Ben McBean, a Royal Marine who lost an arm and a leg while serving in Afghanistan, has demanded an apology from U.S. Vice President JD Vance after his remarks seemingly dismissed Britain’s military history.
McBean, once praised by Prince Harry as a “hero,” was outraged after Vance referred to the UK as “some random country that hasn’t fought a war in 30 or 40 years.”
Sacrifices Should Not Be Ignored
McBean, who stepped on a landmine in 2008 during a patrol in Afghanistan, emphasized that over 600 British troops lost their lives in Afghanistan and Iraq, with thousands more wounded.
He accused Vance of erasing their sacrifice, calling him a “keyboard warrior” who has no right to belittle those who served.
A Growing Political Controversy
Vance’s comments have sparked outrage across the UK, particularly among military veterans and political leaders.
Colonel Hamish de Bretton-Gordon, a former Army commander who served in Helmand Province, condemned Vance, saying his words “sullied the memories” of fallen British soldiers.
British officials and lawmakers, including ex-Armed Forces Minister James Heappey, have also voiced their anger, reminding the world that the UK fought alongside the U.S. in Afghanistan following the 9/11 attacks.
Vance Attempts Damage Control
As criticism mounted, Vance attempted to clarify his remarks, stating that he never mentioned the UK or France in his Fox News interview.
He insisted that his comments were aimed at countries without battlefield experience, not Britain or its military.
However, his explanation failed to calm the backlash, with many still accusing him of disrespecting the sacrifices made by British troops.
Calls for Accountability
McBean and other veterans believe Vance should issue a formal apology.
The Royal Marine, who was evacuated from Afghanistan on the same flight as Prince Harry in 2008, expressed his frustration that while he lives with the consequences of war daily, politicians like Vance can simply “forget” about their words the next day.
He warned that such remarks not only insult those who served but also undermine the long-standing alliance between the UK and the U.S.
The Larger Implications
Vance’s comments came at a sensitive time, as the U.S. debates its stance on the Ukraine conflict.
His dismissal of UK involvement in global military affairs has raised concerns about America’s shifting priorities.
While some politicians, like Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, suggested his words were misrepresented, others strongly disagreed, reinforcing the importance of honoring international military alliances.
A Reminder of Shared Sacrifice
British troops have stood alongside their American counterparts for decades, enduring the same hardships and losses.
Whether in Afghanistan, Iraq, or other global conflicts, the UK has played a crucial role in military operations.
The reaction to Vance’s words serves as a reminder that the sacrifices of soldiers should never be dismissed or forgotten, especially by those in positions of power.