Politics · United Kingdom · 3 hrs ago
Reform names Russia Britain’s greatest state threat in security review
Reform has announced a national security review that calls Russia Britain’s greatest state threat.
The party says Russia is waging a hybrid war against the UK and that Russia, China and Iran threaten Western security.
It describes Iran as the largest state sponsor of terrorism and China’s government as bent on global domination.
The review comes as Nigel Farage faces accusations of being soft on Russia, after past comments about Vladimir Putin and Russia’s annexation of Crimea.
Farage says he was misquoted and points to his support for shooting down Russian jets that enter NATO airspace and freezing Russian assets to help Ukraine.
Reform says its security policy will prioritise border protection, the Euro-Atlantic region and national cohesion, as well as funding for the armed forces.
Labour says it has backed Ukraine with weapons and is increasing defence spending, while Reform’s review is due to set out the party’s approach.
Reform said its national security review identifies Russia as Britain’s greatest state threat.
The review accuses Russia of waging a hybrid war against the UK and describes China and Iran as serious threats.
Nigel Farage said Reform was clear-eyed about threats from Russia, Iran, China and Islamist extremists.
Former RAF commander Angus MacIntyre, Reform’s defence spokesman, will lead the review.
Labour security minister Luke Pollard said the government had backed Ukraine and was increasing defence spending.
- Who
- Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, announced the review.
- What
- The review names Russia as Britain’s greatest state threat and sets out the party’s national security approach.
- When
- It was announced on 13 November 2026; the article said it would launch the next day.
- Where
- The review concerns Britain and its national security.
- Why
- Reform said the review would address threats to the UK and set out measures to keep the country safe.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Farage told GQ magazine that Putin was the world leader he admired most as an operator, but not as a human being.
Farage said he understood why Putin annexed Crimea and described him as a rational player at the time.
Farage faced renewed allegations that he was weak on Russia after The Times reported his 2022 comments.
Reform announced its national security review, which the article said would launch the next day.
- Greatest state threat
- Russia
- Review lead
- Angus MacIntyre, former RAF commander and Reform defence spokesman
- Other threats identified
- China and Iran
- Review principles
- Eight, including border protection and prioritising the Euro-Atlantic region
- Publication date
- 13 November 2026
What people are saying
The threats our country faces are stark and I will never flinch from confronting them.
Unlike the old parties, we are clear-eyed about the threats from Russia, Iran, China and the rising threat from Islamist extremists.
This is the right approach. Start with the things we have to do - homeland defence, the Euro-Atlantic, national cohesion - and build from there.
This Labour Government is clear about the threat posed by Putin and we've backed Ukraine with billions in weapons and capability as they fight for freedom everywhere.