Labour Intensifies Criticism of Farage and Reform Over Russia Stance

Labour has escalated its attacks on Nigel Farage’s Reform UK, targeting the party’s position on Russia amid growing public support for Ukraine and opposition to Vladimir Putin.

Labour Plans to Challenge Reform on Key Issues

A cabinet source stated that Labour is preparing to challenge Reform UK on its stance regarding the Ukraine war and the NHS, after concerns over the party’s soft approach to Russia.

With Reform rising in polls and sometimes overtaking Labour and the Conservatives, major parties are now strategizing to counter Farage’s influence.

Labour and the Scottish National Party (SNP) have intensified their criticism, citing:

• Farage’s previous claim that Ukraine provoked the war.
• His 2014 statement in which he praised Putin as the world leader he most admired.

Labour leader Keir Starmer accused Farage of “fawning over Putin,” while SNP’s Stephen Flynn referred to Reform MPs as “Putin’s poodles” for their absence in key defence and security debates.

Public Opinion and Electoral Implications

Polling suggests that the majority of UK voters strongly support Ukraine. According to More in Common think tank director Luke Tryl, seven out of ten Britons believe a Ukrainian victory is crucial.

Tryl also noted that Reform’s rise slowed after Farage’s controversial comments on NATO’s expansion giving Putin a reason for war.

Even within Reform, some insiders acknowledge that Russia remains a weak point for the party, with one source calling it a “chink in the armour.”

Farage’s Shifting Stance on Russia

Farage has gradually become more critical of Putin, but his past associations with Russian state media and his party’s alignment with hard-right European groups opposing anti-Russia motions continue to draw scrutiny.

Recently, Reform leader Richard Tice sought to clarify the party’s position, stating in Parliament:
“We at Reform stand united with this House in support of Ukraine… Putin is a vile dictator, and my leader has confirmed that he is the aggressor in this war.”

Reform’s Growing Political Influence

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham warned that Reform could become Labour’s main opposition in northern England, particularly in key battlegrounds like Runcorn and Helmsby.

Burnham suggested that UK politics is moving towards a “binary choice” between Labour and Reform, as the Conservative Party becomes increasingly irrelevant.

With the next general election approaching, Labour is set to intensify its attacks on Farage and Reform, framing them as out of step with public opinion on Ukraine and national security.