Reform UK's new defence spokesman has said Russian warplanes straying into Nato airspace would be shot down, as Nigel Farage unveiled his new wingman. Battle-hardened veteran Angus MacIntyre, who spent years at the heart of Britain's efforts to help Ukraine, said the party would back such action as part of a Nato coalition.
The new defence spokesman said: "We would shoot down Russian aircraft that were inside NATO airspace." He also urged Britain to "do more" for Kyiv, warning that years of poorly funded defence meant the country was running out of kit to send.
Appointment hailed as a coup for Reform
His appointment is a major coup for Reform, as Mr Farage seeks to stuff his top team with experts from outside Westminster. Speaking at a rally in central London, Mr MacIntyre was challenged over Mr Farage's past remarks on Russia.
Mr MacIntyre told reporters: "We have reached a point where we're running out of things that we can give them. So the question is, well what else? That comes in this form of leadership, additional support, reinvigoration of NATO and working through coalitions of other nations."
He said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was "protecting Europe", adding "that's something we should take seriously and we should join as much as we can and continue to support them and leadership the way forward."
Military career and Ukraine support
Mr MacIntyre began his military career in 1986, spending 13 years as an officer in the 1st Battalion, The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, with tours alongside the Royal Marines and the Parachute Regiment. In 1999 he joined the RAF Regiment, serving in Afghanistan, Kuwait, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Iraq and Somalia, and later spent a year embedded inside the Pentagon.
After Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, he helped coordinate Britain's support and made regular trips to Kyiv. He was awarded a commendation from the Vice Chief of the Defence Staff for his work there.
Criticism of main parties and Labour response
Mr MacIntyre accused both main parties of leaving "our armed forces under severe pressure". He said: "The cuts during the Brown and Blair years took chunks from the ranks of all three services. The Conservatives promised to fix it, but over their 14 years in government, they oversaw a further decline in our military power."
Mr Farage said: "Angus has more experience than the entire government defence team combined." Speaking at the time of his announcement, Labour took aim at the length of time it had taken to make the appointment. Luke Pollard MP said: "Reform has treated defence as an afterthought – but in this volatile world, there are no second chances. Nigel Farage simply can't be trusted to keep Britain safe."
