The response from the United Kingdom to Vance’s remarks was both swift and sharply pointed, leaving little doubt that his comments had struck a sensitive nerve across the Atlantic. Across the country, British veterans, military figures, and former service members voiced strong condemnation, emphasizing the gravity of the statement in the context of the sacrifices made by their armed forces. They highlighted, with somber pride, the 636 British soldiers who tragically lost their lives during the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan—men and women whose courage and dedication were now, in their view, being undermined by the tone of Vance’s remarks.
Prominent veterans, including well-known figures such as Johnny Mercer, the former Army officer turned Member of Parliament, and Andy McNab, the celebrated author and ex-special forces operative, publicly criticized Vance. They stressed that his comments displayed a troubling lack of respect for allied forces who had fought side by side with the United States in some of the most dangerous theaters of recent history. According to these veterans, such statements risked diminishing the recognition and honor due to those who had risked everything in service to their countries.