US president Donald Trump has paid tribute to “the great and very brave soldiers of the United Kingdom”, after previously claiming Nato allies stayed away from the front lines during the war in Afghanistan.
Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer raised Trump’s comments about Nato troops in Afghanistan directly with the US president in a conversation on Saturday, it is understood.
Veterans and politicians from across the political spectrum have joined in condemnation of the US president’s false claims, with the prime minister previously calling them “appalling” and demanding an apology.
In a post on social media on Saturday afternoon, Trump said: “The great and very brave soldiers of the United Kingdom will always be with the United States of America.
“In Afghanistan, 457 died, many were badly injured, and they were among the greatest of all warriors.
“It’s a bond too strong to ever be broken. The UK military, with tremendous heart and soul, is second to none (except for the USA).
“We love you all, and always will! President Donald J Trump.”
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