The US defence secretary has heaped reward on British troops in an obvious effort to ease anger following outrage over JD Vance’s feedback suggesting the UK had not fought a warfare in 40 years. Pete Hegseth welcomed his British counterpart John Healey to the Pentagon on Thursday for talks and took the possibility to commend “powerful” British troops and underline the “long-standing” US-UK relationship.
Mr Hegseth, a Nationwide Guard veteran, referenced his time deployed to Afghanistan together with his “brothers throughout the Atlantic”. “Our nations, as , share an extended and particular relationship, stronger right now than ever earlier than,” he mentioned because the assembly obtained underway. “I skilled that first-hand myself, as a lot of our era has, on the battlefield shoulder-to-shoulder with British troops in Afghanistan.
“I understand how succesful they’re, how powerful they’re and the way shut our bond is as brothers throughout the Atlantic, full cease.
“We’re grateful for all the numerous years we’ve stood by one another’s facet.”
Earlier this week, US Vice President Vance got here underneath fireplace from veterans after saying a possible peacekeeping power in Ukraine could be “20,000 troops from some random nation that has not fought a warfare in 30 or 40 years”.
His feedback sparked fury, with British veterans branding him a “clown”.
Each the UK and France – long-term allies of the US – have promised to guide a peacekeeping mission.
Mr Vance later mentioned he was not referring to both nation however to different, unnamed nations.
Mr Hegseth’s appeal offensive additionally noticed him categorical his gratitude to the British public.
He mentioned: “I additionally need to thank the British individuals for the nice and cozy assist they provide to US forces stationed within the UK as nicely, it is a long-standing relationship we’re actually grateful for,” he mentioned because the assembly obtained underway.
“You might be true allies, long-time pals, we’re new pals however we’re getting there [gesturing at Healey], and fellow warriors, so thanks very a lot for being right here.”
Mr Healey is within the US as a part of efforts to bridge the transatlantic hole on Ukraine’s peace plan.
He informed Mr Hegseth the US has “challenged Europe to step up”, including: “We have now, we’re and we’ll additional.”
Earlier than assembly his American counterpart, Mr Healey was in Washington DC to go to the agency that’s producing kamikaze drones that the UK is giving to Ukraine.
