Reform accused of 'amateur and irresponsible' approach to nation's defence

Labour MPs have claimed Reform UK’s failure to mention shipbuilding in their manifesto shows an “amateur and irresponsible approach to defending our nation”.

A dozen MPs, which includes a number who hold coastal seats, accused Nigel Farage of a “gross betrayal” of both national security and British industry. Organised by Scottish Labour MP Graeme Downie, the letter also questioned Mr Farage’s understanding of shipbuilding, which directly employs almost 40,000 people across the UK with an economic output of almost £3 billion.

It says: “Although I lose track of which MPs are in your party these days, it appears none of your current MPs at least have even mentioned their support of either the Royal Navy or shipbuilding in the House of Commons since the General Election in July 2024. In addition, Reform MPs are often noted to be absent when opportunities to support this vital part of our economy and security are available. " It comes after Nigel Farage is branded 'farcical' as alien and UFO enthusiast defects to Reform UK.

READ MORE: NATO scrambles warplanes as Russia shoots down West's F-16 fighter jet in Ukraine onslaught

READ MORE: Reform UK police chief's 'dark heart of wokeness' claim under fire

The letter continues: "For example, neither you or any of your colleagues spoke during the debate on the Strategic Defence Review on 2 June, nor in a debate in Westminster Hall on 18 March with the title: ‘Shipyards: Economic Growth.’

“It is disappointing that someone who says he aspires to becoming Prime Minister of this fantastic country can fail to support the vital work of our shipbuilding industry. To continue to fail to do so would be a gross betrayal of both our national security and one of our most vital industries. It would display an amateur and irresponsible approach to defending our nation along with a reckless, and perhaps wilful, misunderstanding of the role of the sea in our national story.

“I know consistency, principles and understanding of complex situations are not something you are best known for but I hope you understand that in order to defend an island nation, you need ships and that it is best for those ships to be built in the UK. Perhaps at the very least you could confirm this understanding?”

The Chancellor Rachel Reeves previously hailed the UK's "extraordinary shipbuilding industry", and committed to a "Britain first" policy for new naval ships.

The letter was signed by numerous MPs who sit on Westminster’s Defence Select Committee, and a number with seats where shipbuilding is a key industry. The MPs included Amanda Martin, Tracey Gilbert, Gregor Poynton and Calvin Bailey.

Responding, Reform Deputy Leader Richard Tice said: “Reform were the only party with a plan at the last election to vastly increase defence spending. Nigel and I lead the way on saving British steel after Labour let Port Talbot blast furnaces close and dragged their feet with Scunthorpe.

“We are the only party with a serious plan to use British steel for shipbuilding in the country. If it was left to Labour without pressure from Reform, all ships would be built with foreign steel.”

READ MORE: Join our Mirror politics WhatsApp group to get the latest updates from Westminster