This week marked Holocaust Memorial Day, an important opportunity to remember the millions of lives lost during those dreadful, dark days and recommit ourselves to learning the lessons of that shameful period of history. In September 2023 I visited Auschwitz and that experience remains seared on my memory.

Turning to events last week, I was utterly appalled by President Trump's comments about NATO troops in Afghanistan. To say that our troops stayed "a little off the front lines" in Afghanistan is beyond disrespectful and deeply untrue. As he should well know, 457 British service personnel died in Afghanistan and did so serving their county. I, like I know so many of you will be, am in awe of their sacrifice and bravery. They all left behind families, friends and loved ones who, to this day, will feel their absence and the deep sense of loss that stays with them.  

Many more served and survived. They should not have to hear the President of the US dismiss their service. As our Prime Minister said, President Trump's remarks are "insulting and frankly appalling". He was right to suggest that Trump should apologise to the families of British veterans. The President is beyond out of order to make these remarks.  

We should remember that Mr Trump dodged the draft for the US Viet Nam war claiming 'bone spurs'. I'm not sure if he can compute the bravery of those service personnel who put themselves directly in harm's way in the service to our country and our collective defence.

The President also commented of NATO troops, "we've never needed them. We have never really asked anything of them." Our troops were in Afghanistan because we, with our NATO allies, answered the US call when they triggered (the only time it has been triggered) Article 5 after 9/11. The President should remember that we stood alongside America during that dark time and many of our braver service personnel lost their lives in that call.

I respect our service personnel, those we lost, those who served and survived and those who continue to serve. In light of Mr Trump's appalling comments, I thought of the 8 men, who lost their lives in Afghanistan, who have streets named in their honour just off Europa Way.

Conrad Lewis Way, named after Private Conrad Lewis who lost his life in 2011 while on patrol in the Nad-e Ali district of Helmand province. He was 22. 

Whittaker Way, named after Private Joe Whittaker who lost his life when he was caught in an explosion from an IED in the Upper Sangin Valley in Helmand on 24 June 2008. He was 20. 

Linley Drive, named after Staff Sergeant Brett Linley, who lost his life in 2010 when he and his team were working to clear IEDs from a major route and an IED exploded. He was 29. 

Muirhead Close, named after Lance Corporal Paul Muirhead, who lost his life as a result of wounds sustained during a Taleban attack on his base at Musa Quala in Helmand Province on Friday 1 September 2006. He was 29. 

Fullarton Avenue, named after Lance Corporal James Fullarton, who lost his life in an IED (improvised explosive device) blast on 16 August 2009. He was 24. 

Carter Meadow, named after Fusilier Louis Carter, who lost his life while extracting his Section Commander whilst on patrol on the morning of 16 August 2009. Fusiliers Louis Carter and Simon Annis were carrying L/Cpl James Fullarton when another bomb exploded. Fusilier Carter was 18. 

Munday Lane, named after Trooper James Munday, who lost his life while serving as a Jackal driver on Operation HERRICK 8 in Helmand province. His Troop was conducting a routine patrol when he was killed by a contact explosion. He was 21. 

Doherty Close, named after Private Jeff Doherty, who lost his life when patrolling on foot near base in Helmand Province when he came under Taleban fire. He was 20.

They showed immense bravery, bravery that few can imagine, and it is right we remember and respect them. 

President Trump has, following strong condemnation of his remarks by our Prime Minister and a phone call over the weekend, rightly stated that our troops "were among the greatest of all warriors". His words have hurt the loved ones of those who died serving our country and as the mother of one soldier who was killed in Afghanistan put it: "picks the scab off wounds that never healed". He should think twice and learn to show the brave men and women who serve our country some respect. 

To any service personnel, current or former, or families and loved ones of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, thank you. That service and bravery is utterly remarkable.

As always, please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any issues or concerns you would like to raise with me. I can be reached at [email protected] or on 01926 882006.