SIR Keir Starmer today hit back at JD Vance by opening PMQs with a heartfelt tribute to the British war dead.

In a poignant moment, the PM vowed to “never forget” the bravery of 642 troops who died fighting for the UK alongside America in Iraq and Afghanistan.

In a packed out Commons, Sir Keir reminded MPs that tomorrow marks 13 years since six young soldiers were on patrol in Afghanistan when their vehicle was struck by an explosive, which killed them all.

He also commemorated tomorrow marking the 18th anniversary of the death of Benjamin Ready, a 22-year-old serving with 42 Commando Royal Marines.

The comments came amid a major row over comments made by US Vice President JD Vance.

Donald Trump’s number two sparked fury as he appeared to mock Britain on Tuesday night as “some random country that hasn’t fought a war in 30 or 40 years”.

The Vice President later denied saying the UK had not fought a war in 30 years.

Sir Keir said: “These men fought and died for their country, our 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, and I know the whole House will join me in remembering them and all those who serve our country.”

In a rare moment of PMQs unity, Tory Leader Kemi Badenoch joined the PM in paying tribute to British troops.

Ms Badenoch said:  “All of us in this House know that the British Armed Forces are a huge source of pride to our country.

“They put themselves in harm’s way to defend our values.”

At PMQs Sir Keir also insisted Trump would defend Europe from Mad Vlad Putin and insisted the UK wouldn’t be drawn into WWIII by putting British troops on the ground in Ukraine.

The PM insisted his US counterpart made “absolutely clear” to him that he is committed to Nato – and crucially Article Five, which requires member states to step in and defend one another in the instance of an attack.

Sir Keir said: “I’m pleased to inform the House that on Thursday last week we did security guarantees, the President made absolutely clear his commitment to Article 5 of Nato, absolutely clear that he will have our backs because of the relationship between our parties, and that our teams will sit down together to talk through security guarantees.

“I’ve spoken to him I think three times since then on the telephone because it is vitally important that we work with the US, with Europe and with Ukraine because it is important to ensure that if there is a deal, it has security guarantees in place.”