Nigel Farage's Reform slammed as Putin friendly after Russia bribes bombshell
Keir Starmer warned it would be an 'absolute disaster' for the UK's defence if Nigel Farage got into power after being questioned about shamed former MEP Nathan Gill
"Putin friendly" Nigel Farage would be an "absolute disaster" for the UK's defence, MPs have heard.
Keir Starmer attacked Reform UK amid calls for a probe into Russian interference in British politics. It follows the conviction of Reform's former Welsh leader for taking bribes to ask pro-Russia questions.
Nathan Gill, described by Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey as "a close confidant" of Mr Farage, is set to be sentenced later this month. Gill admitted eight counts of bribery after making statements in favour of Russia.
Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey told the Commons at PMQs : "Across Europe, in countries like Poland, Germany and France, we've seen evidence of dangerous Russian interference in their politics. Last month, the former leader of a major party in Wales pleaded guilty to taking bribes to make pro-Russian statements.
"The evidence shows Nathan Gill was a close confidant of the current Reform Party leader (Mr Farage) for years. So does the Prime Minister agree with me that it's time we had an in-depth investigation into Russian meddling and money in British politics?"
The PM responded by warning that a Reform government would collapse Britain's alliances with NATO allies. He told the Commons: "On this question of Russian interference, it is a serious problem in countries across Europe, including in our country, where it's a constant threat.
"Mr. Speaker, for NATO allies, the conflict in Ukraine and dealing with Russian aggression is the number one issue. And that is why I have to say, the Reform Party would be an absolute disaster for our defense."
The Labour leader went on: "We are a trusted member of NATO. We wouldn't be a trusted member if we're Putin friendly. We are leading the coalition of the willing, giving security and comfort to 30 other countries that will collapse under reform because they're Putin friendly and our real threat to our national security."
Former UKIP and Brexit Party MEP Gill, 52, who was Reform's leader in Wales until 2021, described Mr Farage as a "friend and colleague" and has been repeatedly seen alongside him over the years.
He was leader of UKIP Wales between 2014 and 2016 - while Mr Farage was the national leader. Gill, from Llangefni, Anglesey, pleaded guilty to eight counts of bribery between 6 December 2018 and 18 July 2019. He took money from Oleg Voloshyn - who has previously been branded a "pawn" of the Russian security services by the US government - and made speeches in the European Parliament and on TV.
In 2018 he used a parliamentary speech to defend TV channels 112 Ukraine and NewsOne, which are linked to Vladimir Putin ally Viktor Medvedchuk.