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Controversy Erupts Over JD Vance’s Remarks on UK and French Military Contributions
The shadow defence secretary, along with other Members of Parliament, has expressed outrage following comments made by JD Vance, who appeared to trivialize a proposed Anglo-French troop deployment to Ukraine. He referred to it as “20,000 troops from some random country that has not fought a war in 30 or 40 years.”
This incident coincides with Downing Street’s announcement of a conversation between Keir Starmer and Donald Trump aimed at reviving a stalled peace initiative for Ukraine.
In an appearance on Fox News’ Hannity, Vance criticized the notion that countries outside the US could offer substantial security assurances post-peace deal. He noted, “A proposed minerals agreement would provide the US with increased economic interests in Ukraine, which would be a significantly stronger security guarantee than 20,000 troops from some random country that has not fought a war in 30 or 40 years.”
While there is a consensus among UK lawmakers on the necessity of a US military presence in any potential peace settlement, Vance’s remarks sparked immediate backlash, particularly regarding his perceived dismissal of the UK military’s contributions alongside American forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.
James Cartlidge, Conservative shadow defence secretary, responded by stating, “Britain and France came to their [the US’s] aid, deploying thousands of personnel to Afghanistan, including my own brother and numerous parliamentary colleagues, past and present. It’s deeply disrespectful to ignore such service and sacrifice.”
On Tuesday, Vance tweeted that it was “absurdly dishonest” to imply he was targeting the UK or France, despite their significant roles in advocating for a non-US peacekeeping presence. “I don’t even mention the UK or France in the clip, both of whom have fought bravely alongside the US over the last 20 years, and beyond,” he added. “But let’s be direct: there are many countries who are volunteering (privately or publicly) support who have neither the battlefield experience nor the military equipment to do anything meaningful.” [source]
When asked about Vance’s statements, Starmer’s spokesperson emphasized the UK’s military history alongside American forces, expressing admiration for British troops who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, some of whom made the ultimate sacrifice.
In a contrasting opinion, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch refrained from condemning Vance’s remarks, suggesting that people were overreacting to his comments. “I know JD Vance quite well,” she said during an interview with GB News. “I’ve looked at the comments; I don’t think he actually said that.”
Former UKIP leader Nigel Farage, a close ally of both Trump and Vance, lamented Vance’s remarks, declaring them “wrong, wrong, wrong.” He added that the UK made comparable sacrifices to the US over two decades in Afghanistan in terms of financial and personnel contributions.
Johnny Mercer, a former armed forces minister, referred to Vance as a “clown” and criticized him for his lack of direct military experience. Mercer quipped, “Perhaps if he had got his hands dirty serving his country… he might not be so quick to dismiss their sacrifice.” [source]
In response to the growing controversy, the Liberal Democrats indicated that Peter Mandelson, the UK ambassador to Washington, should seek an apology from Vance. The party’s defence spokesperson, Helen Maguire, who served in Iraq with the Royal Military Police, underscored the importance of recognizing the joint efforts of American and British soldiers. “This is a sinister attempt to deny that reality,” she stated.
Source
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