The Crewe & Nantwich Reform Party has come under fire for its comments defending President Trump, claiming British troops in Afghanistan "stayed a little off the frontline" during the conflict with the Taliban regime.   

Mr Trump made the comments in an interview with Fox News, appearing to downplay the role played by British servicemen and women in the Afghan war, saying that "they'll say they sent some troops to Afghanistan" but shied away from active combat.  

The war in Afghanistan lasted almost 20 years and 457 British lives were lost, the second highest number of fatalities after the US. Hundreds more troops suffered injuries and lost limbs. 

The US President's comments received widespread condemnation, including from the Prime Minister, who said: "The president was wrong to diminish the role of Nato troops, including British forces."  

He added NATO troops made sacrifices "in the service of collective security and in response to an attack on our ally".  

Crewe and Nantwich Labour MP, Connor Naismith (Photo: Supplied).

Defence Secretary, John Healey, said the UK and NATO allies had "answered the US call" in 2001 and that British troops who were killed should be remembered as "heroes who gave their lives in service of our nation".  

Al Carns, Minister for the Armed Forces, who served several tours in Afghanistan, said Trump's comments were "utterly ridiculous" and that "the world rallied to the support of the US".  

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During an exchange on X, the official Crewe & Nantwich Reform Party appeared to defend President's Trump's remarks because "he apologised".  

Connor Naismith joined Labour voices in calling out Trump's comments, adding that the Reform Party were "plastic patriots" making excuses for the US President instead of standing up for British troops.  

The Crewe & Nantwich Reform Party appeared to further trivialise the situation by responding with a meme of the US President.  

Regarding the comments made by Crewe & Nantwich's Reform Party, Mr Naismith said:  "457 British troops made the ultimate sacrifice during the war in Afghanistan and hundreds more were left tragically injured.

"Any attempt to belittle their service is a betrayal to the highest degree. 

"The government has been clear that it doesn't matter who you are: disrespecting British soldiers will not be tolerated. The Crewe & Nantwich Reform Party should explain themselves."