Defence Secretary John Healey has delivered a stark and unprecedented public warning against trusting Reform UK leader Nigel Farage with Britain's defence, branding him a risk to national security.
A Clash Over Ukraine and 'Russian Apologists'
The extraordinary intervention comes directly after Mr Farage stated he would vote against current government plans to deploy UK troops alongside French forces to Ukraine if a peace deal is struck to end the conflict with Russia.
Speaking exclusively to The Mirror while travelling to Glasgow, Mr Healey left no room for ambiguity. "I wouldn't trust Farage with Britain's national security," he declared, launching a fierce critique of the Reform UK chief's position and past associations.
The Defence Secretary characterised Mr Farage as "a man who won't back the commitment for British troops" and "a man who admires President Putin, who runs a party of Russian apologists." He pointedly referenced the case of Reform's former leader in Wales, Nathan Gill, who was sentenced in late 2025 to 10-and-a-half years in prison for accepting Russian bribes during his time as an MEP.
Farage's Past Putin Comments and Current Stance
Mr Healey's remarks also allude to Mr Farage's controversial 2014 interview with GQ magazine. When asked which world leader he most admired, Mr Farage replied: "As an operator, but not as a human being, I would say Putin. The way he played the whole Syria thing. Brilliant." He did, however, add a note of disapproval, questioning how many journalists were in jail in Russia.
The immediate policy rift centres on a pledge made by Prime Minister Keir Starmer earlier in January 2026. The plan involves establishing military hubs on Ukrainian soil with France and building protected facilities for weapons, should a peace deal be reached. The government has promised MPs a vote in the Commons after any ceasefire regarding putting boots on the ground.
Mr Farage has unequivocally rejected this approach. At a press conference last week, he questioned the UK's military capacity, stating: "Boots on the ground. With kit? What boots, what kit? I mean, we might be able to go for six or eight weeks, but if you're talking about a modern day reincarnation of the British Army of the Rhine, forget it."
Healey's Confidence in Forces and Hope for 2026
In contrast, the Defence Secretary expressed full faith in the British armed forces. "Our British forces will always do the job that we need them to do," Mr Healey asserted. "They'll do the job to defend us, they'll do the job to deter us. They'll do the job if we require them to deploy to any part of the world. I have no doubt about that and have full confidence in them."
Looking ahead, Mr Healey said his hope for 2026 is that the UK, United States, and other allies continue to stand firmly with Ukraine. He insisted a peace deal remains possible, but placed responsibility squarely on the Kremlin. "The one man who could end the fighting today is Putin," he said, accusing the Russian President of escalating attacks despite claiming interest in peace.
He described the current era as one of rising threats, citing increased Russian naval activity in UK waters, incursions into NATO airspace, and the scale of cyber attacks impacting civilians.
Reform UK Hits Back
A spokeswoman for Reform UK defended their leader's position, arguing the British Army lacks the resources for a long-term mission. "Ukraine needs security guarantees but the British Army has neither the manpower nor the equipment to take on a long term mission. Labour have not kept their promises on the defence uplift," she stated.
She added: "Nigel Farage has been clear: a Reform government would defend NATO airspace from Russian aggression. He has also been clear that any peace deal should not turn Putin into a winner."
The public row underscores a deep and fundamental divide on national security and foreign policy, setting the stage for a fierce political battle as the government seeks parliamentary support for its future strategy in Ukraine.
