An SNP MP representing some of the most strategically important military bases in the Highlands has called on Donald Trump to apologise after remarks questioning the commitment of NATO allies to the war in Afghanistan.
Speaking during an interview with Fox News, Trump said he was “not sure” other NATO members would support the United States if it ever needed them, suggesting allies who deployed troops to Afghanistan stayed “a little back” and “off the front lines”.
The comments have drawn strong criticism from Graham Leadbitter, whose constituency includes Fort George, Kinloss Barracks and RAF Lossiemouth.
Leadbitter accused the US President of misrepresenting the reality of a conflict that saw 457 UK service personnel lose their lives after the United States invoked Article 5 of the NATO treaty.
Among those losses were all 14 crew members of Nimrod XV230 from RAF Kinloss, the single largest loss of life for the UK armed forces since the Falklands conflict.
In a statement, Leadbitter said Trump’s comments were not only inaccurate but deeply offensive to military communities across the Highlands and beyond.
“Donald Trump should immediately apologise for his comments which aren’t just grossly offensive, but are complete misrepresentations of reality.
“His crass and ugly remarks besmirch the memory of brave personnel and are deeply hurtful to their families, friends and colleagues.
“My constituency still bears the scars from a war which saw far too many of our service personnel give the ultimate sacrifice, and yet our RAF, Army and Navy personnel would do so again for their country and our allies in a heartbeat.
“It’s a relief to know that his words will certainly not be shared by US personnel who fight alongside UK forces, as I know both militaries and other allied forces have a deep respect for each other,” he said.
He warned, however, that comments from the US Commander in Chief would resonate far beyond Washington.
“These words will send shockwaves around military communities and deeply disgust and upset those who still mourn the loss of loved ones in aid of our NATO ally across the Atlantic,” he said.
The remarks come at a sensitive time for NATO unity, with renewed global tensions placing increased emphasis on trust, shared sacrifice and the credibility of long standing alliances.
