Prominent veterans spoke out strongly. Johnny Mercer and Andy McNab were among those who accused Vance of failing to show proper respect for allied forces who fought alongside the United States. Their remarks reflected a broader sentiment within the UK’s military community that shared sacrifices should not be minimized or overlooked.
Senior military figures also joined the criticism. Lord West and General Sir Patrick Sanders emphasized the depth of the long-standing defense relationship between the UK and the United States. They highlighted decades of cooperation, joint operations, and mutual loss as the foundation of that alliance.