John Healey claims that Nigel Farage jeopardises the UK's national security by being against sending troops to Ukraine

16 January 2026 , 19:48

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John Healey claims that Nigel Farage jeopardises the UK's national security by being against sending troops to Ukraine

Defence Secretary John Healey has said he would not trust Nigel Farage with Britain’s national security after the Reform UK leader said he would vote against plans to deploy British troops to Ukraine alongside France in the event of a peace deal.

Speaking during a visit to Glasgow, Healey said Farage’s opposition to the deployment raised serious concerns. He accused him of failing to back commitments involving British forces and of holding views sympathetic to Russia’s president. Healey also referred to the conviction of Reform UK’s former leader in Wales, Nathan Gill, who was sentenced last year to more than 10 years in prison for accepting Russian bribes while serving as a member of the European Parliament.

Healey was also pointing to comments Farage made in 2014, when he said he admired Vladimir Putin “as an operator,” while stressing he did not approve of him politically. Healey said such remarks, combined with Farage’s current position on Ukraine, undermined confidence in his approach to national security.

The dispute follows plans outlined earlier this month by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who said the UK and France would establish military hubs and protected weapons facilities in Ukraine if a peace agreement is reached. Starmer also promised MPs a vote in the House of Commons before any deployment of British troops. Farage has said he would oppose the proposal, questioning whether the British Army has the capacity for a long-term mission.

Healey insisted he had full confidence in the armed forces, saying they would be ready to deploy wherever required to defend and deter threats to the UK and its allies. He added that his hope for 2026 was for the UK, the United States and other partners to continue standing with Ukraine, arguing that a peace deal remained possible but that Russia had so far escalated attacks rather than matching words with actions.

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He described the current period as one of rising threats, citing increased Russian naval activity near British waters, incursions into NATO airspace and the growing scale of cyber attacks.

A Reform UK spokesperson said Ukraine needs security guarantees but argued the British Army lacks the manpower and equipment for a long-term deployment. The party said it would continue to support NATO airspace defence and insisted any peace deal should not allow Russia to emerge as a winner.

Grace Cooper