Downing Street has criticised Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump’s defence secretary, for downplaying the role of Nato allies in combat operations in Afghanistan. A spokesperson for Andy Burnham stated that "the facts speak for themselves when it comes to the UK’s and Nato’s contribution to Afghanistan," noting that over 450 British personnel died there.
Hegseth, who served as a Minnesota Army National Guard instructor in Afghanistan, claimed in a Saturday speech that only a few of the 50 nations contributing to the Nato alliance and Isaf mission were involved in "kinetic operations." He joked that "Isaf" meant "I Saw Americans Fighting."
The criticism from Downing Street comes as No 10 also distanced itself from Trump’s increasing willingness to engage with Russia. The spokesperson reiterated that the UK's support for Ukraine is "unwavering" and aims for Ukraine to secure a "just and lasting peace."