Nigel Farage has faced fierce criticism from a senior Cabinet minister after his controversial comments about Ukraine and NATO. Victoria Atkins, the Health Secretary, branded Farage's remarks as "disgraceful" and "deeply unpatriotic" during a heated political exchange.
Farage's Controversial Stance
The Reform UK leader recently suggested that the West had provoked Russia's invasion of Ukraine by expanding NATO eastward. His comments, made during a BBC interview, sparked outrage across the political spectrum.
Cabinet Minister's Scathing Response
Health Secretary Victoria Atkins didn't mince words when addressing Farage's statements. "To suggest that the West is somehow responsible for Putin's brutal, illegal invasion of Ukraine is not only factually wrong, it's deeply unpatriotic," she declared on Sky News.
Atkins, a prominent figure in Rishi Sunak's government, went further, stating: "It's disgraceful that anyone would seek to justify or explain away Putin's actions. The UK stands firmly with Ukraine in its fight for freedom."
Political Fallout
The row comes as Farage's Reform UK party continues to gain ground in opinion polls, potentially threatening both Conservative and Labour prospects in the upcoming general election. Political analysts suggest this public dressing-down from a Cabinet minister reflects growing concern within government circles about Farage's influence.
Meanwhile, Labour's shadow defence secretary John Healey echoed Atkins' condemnation, calling Farage's comments "dangerously misguided" and "an insult to the Ukrainian people."
