SIR Keir Starmer has ripped into Nigel Farage – branding him a Putin fanboy who is “fawning” over the Russian tyrant.
The PM unleashed a brutal attack on the Reform boss after being asked if he was copying his policies.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer delivers a press statement on defence in the Briefing Room in 10 Downing StreetEPA
ReutersReform UK boss Nigel Farage[/caption]
It comes after Sir Keir announced earlier today that his Government would slash the hated foreign aid budget to fund a dramatic increase in defence spending.
It will rise from its current 2.3 per cent share of the economy to 2.5 per cent in 2027.
Farage’s party had long argued Britain should slash overseas aid and pump the cash into home priorities, including the military.
But instead of praising Farage’s stance, Sir Keir came out swinging at this afternoon’s press conference, blasting: “Nigel Farage didn’t even turn up to the debate in Parliament today. Nigel Farage is fawning over Putin.
“That’s not patriotism.
“That is not what working people need. What I have done is take the duty of Prime Minister seriously, which is to ensure that our citizens are safe and secure, and this decision is made to ensure they are safe and secure.”
Farage faced mounting criticism over his stance on Russia, with MPs slamming his previous claim that NATO “provoked” Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
The Commons also erupted into a slanging match earlier today, with SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn branding absent MPs “Putin’s poodles”.
Speaking in Parliament, he took aim at those missing from Sir Keir’s defence statement, saying: “Aside from a few of Putin’s poodles who are not in their seats in this chamber today, we are of course united in our support for the people of Ukraine.”
His comments sparked fury from Reform UK’s Lee Anderson, who hit back furiously – accusing Mr Flynn of “misleading the House”.
The Ashfield MP said: “During the debate on defence and security, the leader of the SNP described Reform UK MPs as ‘Putin’s puppets’ and that they were missing from the debate. This is not true.
“I was present for the Prime Minister’s statement, left for a comfort break and returned for the rest of the debate; in fact I’ve been in this chamber nearly four hours today.
“Funnily enough when I returned to the chamber the leader of the SNP or none of his MPs were actually present. The leader of the SNP has misled the House and should apologise if you can find him.”
Deputy Commons Speaker Nusrat Ghani quickly stepped in, warning MPs to keep their “good temper and moderation”, but the row spilled onto social media.
Mr Anderson wrote on X: “Outrageous accusations. Today the bewildered looking leader of the SNPs stated that none of us Reform UKs were present. For the record – I’ve spent nearly four hours in the chamber already today. I called this nonsense out earlier.”
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