U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance has sparked international outrage after making insulting comments about the United Kingdom, one of America’s closest allies.
During a Fox News appearance on Monday, Vance dismissed the U.K.’s role in international conflicts, calling it “some random country that hasn’t fought a war in 30 or 40 years.” The statement quickly caused a stir in the U.K., where many people, including political leaders, have condemned his remarks.
The comment was particularly upsetting given the long-standing partnership between the U.S. and the U.K. in military operations. British forces fought alongside American troops in both Iraq and Afghanistan, with 636 U.K. soldiers losing their lives in those wars.
In response, British leaders have voiced their anger. Johnny Mercer, former Veterans Minister, said Vance should “wind his neck in,” urging him to show “a bit of respect” for the U.K.’s military contributions. He added that Vance’s comments made him “look so unpleasant.”
Shadow Defense Secretary James Cartlidge criticized Vance for being “deeply disrespectful,” pointing out that he was ignoring the sacrifices made by U.K. soldiers.
James Heappey, a former Armed Forces Minister and veteran, expressed disappointment over Vance’s comments. Reflecting on his own military service, Heappey shared that working alongside American and French forces was one of the most important parts of his career. He said it was “sad to hear the relationship reduced to this.”
Helen Maguire, a Liberal Democrat MP and veteran, also weighed in. She spoke about how American and British troops fought together in Iraq, with six members of her regiment, the Royal Military Police, dying in the conflict. She condemned Vance’s statement as an attempt to “deny that reality.”
Vance’s comments have stirred not only British politicians and military veterans but have also drawn international criticism for undermining the deep and longstanding military relationship between the U.S. and the U.K.
Watch Vance’s remarks in the video below from Fox News.
The inexperienced young man J D Vance considers that France 🇫🇷 and Great Britain 🇬🇧 are “Random countries” that hasn’t fought for 30 or 40 years
The US 🇺🇸 trauma of the humiliating defeat in Afghanistan 4 years ago seems very deep inside this administration 👀👊🏻 pic.twitter.com/ruENUtkkYW
— La Punchline de Yakovleff (@G_Yakovleff) March 4, 2025
