A UK Government minister has accused US defence secretary Pete Hegseth of being 'lacking in class' after he used a D-Day commemoration event to criticise Europe over an 'invasion' of migrants.
Hegseth's remarks at Normandy ceremony
Speaking at the Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, France, on Saturday, Mr Hegseth marked the 82nd anniversary of the D-Day landings. He said that today 'different European beaches are stormed by different dangerous ideologies', referencing migration across the Mediterranean. 'Beaches in Spain and Italy and Greece and Bulgaria. Boats and men arrive,' he stated. 'When will European capitals do something about that invasion? Or is it too late? I pray not, and I believe not.'
Minister's response
Skills minister Baroness Jacqui Smith, a former home secretary, told LBC Radio: 'No, he's not right, and no, I think it's a bit lacking in class to raise it at a ceremony like that.' She emphasised that the UK has seen 'very big reductions' in net migration under the Labour government and that action continues against Channel small boat crossings.
Ms Smith's comments add to growing frustration among UK ministers with remarks from members of US President Donald Trump's administration. Over the weekend, Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy disclosed a 'robust' conversation with US Vice President JD Vance regarding Mr Vance's comments on the Henry Nowak murder.
Conservative leader's view
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch called for an end to the 'endless war of words' after Trump administration figures publicly commented on the Nowak case. She told the Press Association: 'David Lammy has the right to say what he thinks, but I do think there is a problem with so many politicians commenting on other countries' affairs.' She noted that past UK criticisms of the George Floyd death are now used as justification by Americans. 'I think we just need to stop this endless war of words publicly. People should be dignified when talking to foreign counterparts. Let's keep negative feedback with allies private, otherwise we're helping countries like Iran and Russia who want to see us at loggerheads.'
Ms Badenoch said she had discussed the matter with US colleagues, but those conversations remained 'private discussions'.
