Defence Secretary John Healey has expressed concerns about entrusting Britain’s national security to Nigel Farage. This statement follows Farage’s opposition to government proposals involving the deployment of UK troops alongside France to Ukraine should a peace agreement be reached. Healey, speaking to The Mirror during his visit to Glasgow, emphasized his lack of confidence in Farage’s stance on national security.
Healey criticized Farage for his reluctance to support British troops, his admiration for President Putin, and his party’s alignment with Russian interests. He highlighted the case of Nathan Gill, a former leader of Reform UK in Wales, who was convicted of accepting Russian bribes while serving in the European Parliament. Healey also referenced Farage’s past comments praising Putin’s tactics in Syria, despite political reservations.
Contrary to Farage’s opposition, Keir Starmer recently announced plans for the UK and France to establish military hubs in Ukraine to aid in defense efforts if a ceasefire is achieved. Starmer assured MPs of a parliamentary vote before any troop deployment. Meanwhile, Healey affirmed his trust in the capabilities of British forces to fulfill their duties effectively, whether for defense or deployment worldwide.
Looking ahead, Healey expressed hope for continued international support for Ukraine in the pursuit of peace. He stressed the pivotal role of Putin in resolving the conflict and urged for concrete actions to match his professed interest in peace. Addressing the escalating global threats posed by Putin’s actions in Ukraine and Iran, Healey acknowledged the growing challenges and risks faced by the international community.
In response, a spokesperson for Reform UK defended Farage’s position, emphasizing the party’s commitment to defending NATO airspace against Russian aggression and cautioning against any peace deal that could be perceived as advantageous to Putin.