The UK swiftly condemned Vice President Vance’s remarks, with veterans and leaders calling them disrespectful to British troops who died in Iraq and Afghanistan. Political figures, including Prime Minister Starmer, urged respect for allied sacrifices. Vance later clarified his comments weren’t aimed at the UK, but the backlash sparked debate over diplomatic sensitivity
The United Kingdom has issued a sharp rebuke following controversial remarks made by U.S. Vice President Vance, which many in the UK interpreted as an insult to the memory of British troops who fought and died alongside American forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Veterans’ associations, military families, and political figures reacted with outrage and disappointment. The remarks, perceived as dismissive of the UK’s contributions to joint military operations, struck a nerve in a country that has long prided itself on its close alliance with the United States. British veterans and their families called the comments “deeply disrespectful” and “painfully ignorant” of the sacrifices made by the UK’s armed forces in support of global security efforts.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer led the wave of criticism, emphasizing that the partnership between the UK and the U.S. has been built on “mutual respect, shared values, and blood shed together in the pursuit of peace.” In a statement, Starmer urged all leaders to remember that “our alliance is founded on the courage and sacrifice of men and women who served side by side in the most challenging conditions. Their memory deserves the highest degree of respect.”
Former military officials echoed this sentiment, reminding that over 600 British service members lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan, while many more returned home with life-changing injuries. The UK’s participation in those conflicts was not without controversy, but for many, the shared mission with American forces symbolized the strength of the transatlantic bond.
Under increasing pressure, Vice President Vance later clarified that his remarks were not intended as criticism of the United Kingdom or its armed forces. He stated that his comments were taken out of context and that he holds deep respect for America’s allies and their sacrifices. Despite the clarification, the backlash sparked an ongoing debate in both countries about the importance of diplomatic sensitivity, especially when addressing matters related to military service and foreign policy.
Analysts suggest that this incident underscores the fragility of public perception in diplomatic relations, particularly between close allies. Even unintended remarks can carry weight and risk undermining decades of trust and cooperation. For many in Britain, the controversy serves as a sobering reminder of how easily words from powerful figures can reopen wounds and challenge the sense of shared purpose that has long defined the UK-U.S. alliance.
As the debate continues, leaders from both nations are calling for a renewed emphasis on mutual respect and understanding—values that have guided the “special relationship” through generations of partnership, war, and peace.
Federal prosecutors are seeking a minimum 30-year sentence for Roske, who pleaded guilty to attempting to assassinate a Supreme Court justice, the DOJ said.
In a memorandum filed Friday in Maryland, prosecutors detailed Roske’s months of preparation, including online research, weapons purchases, and reconnaissance before arriving outside Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s home on June 8, 2022.
Messages quoted in the filing show Roske discussed killing multiple justices, writing that he was “shooting for 3” and noting that “people have killed judges before.” A saved Google map on his device contained what he believed were the addresses of four justices.
Authorities said Roske flew from California to Virginia with a Glock 17, ammunition, a knife, zip ties, tactical gear, and other tools, then took a taxi to Kavanaugh’s neighborhood. He turned away after seeing U.S. marshals outside the home, later calling his sister and 911 before surrendering. Prosecutors argue his decision came only after encountering the visible security presence.
The government’s filing describes methodical preparation that began months earlier. Investigators cite searches such as “most effective way to silently kill someone,” “how to break glass quietly,” and “countries least likely to extradite to the US.”
Prosecutors said Roske bought the handgun and accessories in late May 2022, practiced at a shooting range, researched justices’ addresses, and tried to erase his devices and accounts before traveling. The memo described the scheme as an attempt to “single-handedly alter the Constitutional order for ideological ends.”
The attempt came during national outrage over the leaked draft opinion in Dobbs, which weeks later overturned Roe v. Wade. Prosecutors said Roske was motivated by anger over abortion and gun cases, citing messages in which he asked what would happen if a conservative justice died.