Keir Starmer has hit back at JD Vance after his apparent jibe at the British and French armed forces.

In a Fox News interview, the American vice-president took a swipe at Europe’s efforts to provide Ukraine with security guarantees if there is a peace deal with Russia.

“If you want to actually ensure that Vladimir Putin does not invade Ukraine again, the very best security guarantee is to give Americans economic upside in the future of Ukraine.

“That is a way better security guarantee than 20,000 troops from some random country that hasn’t fought a war in 30 or 40 years.”

His comments appeared to be a dig at the UK and France, who are so far the only countries to confirm they are willing to put “boots on the ground” in Ukraine.

Vance later denied those were the countries he was talking about - but refused to say who he did actually mean.

At prime minister’s questions on Wednesday, Starmer told MPs that tomorrow will be the 13th anniversary of the deaths of six young British soldiers in Afghanistan after they were killed by an explosive device.

He said that today is also the 18th anniversary of a 22-year-old Marine being killed in Afghanistan’s Helmand province.

The PM said: “These men fought and died for their country, and across the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq 642 individuals died fighting for Britain alongside our allies. Many more were wounded. We will never forget their bravery and their sacrifice.

“I know the whole house will join with me in remembering them and all those who serve out country.”