Labour is stepping up its criticism of Nigel Farage and Reform UK, zeroing in on his past remarks about Russia as tensions over Ukraine remain high.
The move comes as new polling shows that most Britons strongly support Ukraine, with Reform UK appearing out of sync with public sentiment.
Farage’s past comments, including a 2014 statement where he called Putin a strong “operator” and his more recent claims that NATO and the EU provoked Russia’s invasion, are expected to feature in Labour’s strategy. His reluctance to condemn Donald Trump’s controversial remarks about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has also drawn scrutiny.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has already begun attacking Farage, accusing him of “fawning over Putin” after he skipped a parliamentary debate on defense spending. Several Labour MPs have echoed this criticism, arguing that Farage is repeating Kremlin narratives.
Polling data reinforces Labour’s position. A recent YouGov survey found that Putin is widely unpopular in the UK, with a net approval rating of minus 85. Among Reform UK supporters, the rating is slightly higher at minus 68, but still overwhelmingly negative. Meanwhile, Zelensky enjoys strong support, with a net approval of plus 48.
Farage has dismissed Labour’s claims as “nonsense,” insisting that his party has supported Ukraine, pointing to Reform’s deputy leader Richard Tice, who previously delivered medical aid to the country.
Despite Farage’s pushback, Labour appears committed to making his past remarks a key part of their campaign strategy, hoping to sway voters as Reform UK continues to rise in the polls.