Defence Secretary John Healey has expressed his lack of confidence in Nigel Farage when it comes to safeguarding Britain’s national security. This warning follows Farage’s opposition to the government’s proposal to send UK troops to Ukraine alongside France in the event of a peace agreement.
During a recent trip to Glasgow, Healey emphasized his concerns about Farage’s stance on British troop commitments and his admiration for Russian President Putin. He highlighted the case of Reform UK’s former leader in Wales, Nathan Gill, who was convicted of accepting Russian bribes while serving in the European Parliament.
Farage’s past remarks praising Putin’s tactics in Syria have also drawn criticism. Despite the UK and France planning military support for Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire, Farage has made it clear that he would vote against these measures, questioning the feasibility and sustainability of such deployments.
Healey reiterated his trust in the capabilities of the British forces to fulfill their duties in defending and deterring threats, regardless of the location. Looking ahead to 2026, he expressed hope for continued international support for Ukraine and emphasized the importance of holding Putin accountable for his actions to achieve lasting peace in the region.
Regarding the escalating global threats posed by Putin’s actions in Ukraine and tensions in Iran, Healey acknowledged the rising concerns about security breaches, including cyberattacks and military provocations. A spokesperson for Reform UK defended Farage’s position, emphasizing the party’s commitment to defending NATO airspace against Russian aggression while cautioning against any peace deal that could benefit Putin.