Downing Street says Hegseth was wrong to downplay Nato allies’ role in Afghanistan

Downing Street said US defence secretary Pete Hegseth was wrong to downplay Nato allies’ contribution to combat operations in Afghanistan. The intervention marked a rare public criticism by the UK government of a senior member of Donald Trump’s administration.

Hegseth made the remarks during a speech at the University of Tennessee, recalling his own service in Afghanistan. He said that although about 50 countries had flags at Nato headquarters in Kabul, only around five contributed to combat operations, falling to one or two by the end.

Britain points to wartime losses

The prime minister’s spokesperson said the UK and its Nato allies had made a significant contribution to the Afghanistan mission. More than 450 British personnel never returned from the war.

Downing Street said thousands of British and allied families had made major sacrifices, and that their service formed part of collective security and the response to an attack on an ally. It said diminishing their role was wrong.

Keir Starmer previously condemned similar comments by Donald Trump about Nato allies, calling them insulting and appalling. The UK government usually avoids publicly criticising the US president and his team.