Donald Trump should retract his slur on all troops, says ex-soldier and UUP MLA Doug Beattie

The US president sparked fury in the UK and other allied nations on Thursday after suggesting Nato troops stayed off the front lines during the conflict in Afghanistan.

After a call with Sir Keir Starmer in which the prime minister raised the issue directly, Mr Trump appeared to retract the comments.

In a social media post shortly after their conversation, the US president praised the “very brave” UK soldiers in Afghanistan.

He wrote: “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!”

Doug Beattie, now an Ulster Unionist MLA, served three tours of duty in Afghanistan.

For his actions in fierce fighting over several days in September 2006 he was awarded the Military Cross.

He told the Press Association on Thursday that Mr Trump’s words had “trampled over the memories” of those who lost their lives in the conflict.

When asked if he accepted mr Trump’s change of tune, he told the News Letter: “Donald Trump is becoming increasingly erratic in terms of his comments over Nato, and he is now preoccupied in a war of words with Canada.

“I welcome the fact that he has welcomed the courage and bravery of UK fighters who fought alongside US forces – but we weren’t alone.

“I remember fighting alongside those from Estonia, Poland and Denmark … so Trump’s remarks were an insult right across all those nations.

“Article 5 of Nato states that an armed attack against one member is considered an attack against all but I’d argue that Trump’s words have been an attack against all.

“I fought alongside two Danish soldiers who were killed in action and I will not allow their names to be insulted. I call on Trump to retract everything he has said.”

Rathfriland UUP alderman Glenn Barr, who lost his best friend Corporal Stephen McKee in Afghanistan, believes Mr Trump’s words will have affected morale with those who are currently serving.

He said: “Trump’s new remarks tells a story of where and who he is. If you read his actual comments, he doesn’t even apologise and it was likely posted by someone in his office.

“The reverse is too little too late and I’ve spoken to veterans who are really annoyed by it. The McKee family are also annoyed which is completely understandable.

“He should come out and apologise properly as it has caused so much hurt to not only UK forces, but those from Nato countries who served in Afghanistan.

“If it hadn’t been for those forces, then America would have been stretched and overran.

“Without a doubt Trump’s comments have hurt those who are currently serving. US forces and those from Nato are meant to be comrades in arms.

“UK forces have fought a lot of wars alongside the US and I’m sure a few are thinking ‘how we can fight with a country whose president thinks that?’.

“That’s not what the bond of friendship is.”

Meanwhile, Carla Lockhart, MP for Upper Bann, said Mr Trump’s words were a “welcome clarification”.

She added on social media: “It is right and proper that he acknowledges the sacrifice, dedication and service of our military.

“The UK have never been found wanting when it comes to support for upholding democracy at home and abroad. They make us proud to be British.”

TUV MLA Timothy Gaston said Mr Trump’s “correction matters” after his original comment was “a gross insult” to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan.

He stated: “The president of the United States has had the grace to correct the record.”