Nigel Farage has been accused of performing a U-turn after stating that Britain should avoid involvement in Donald Trump's war with Iran. The Reform UK leader's latest comments contrast sharply with his earlier assertion that the 'gloves need to come off' when dealing with Iran.
Anna Turley, chair of the Labour Party, criticised Farage, saying: 'Reform wanted the UK to go to war in Iran and are now trying to cover up the consequences for British families, including higher fuel prices.' A YouGov poll indicates that Reform's 2024 voters are divided, with 24% supporting active participation in attacks on Iran and 63% backing a retaliatory or defensive stance.
The conflict has exposed divisions among senior Reform figures over foreign policy, echoing splits in Donald Trump's conservative base in the US. On Tuesday, Farage stated: 'If we can't even defend Cyprus, let's not get ourselves involved in another foreign war.' This contrasts with his earlier support for 'regime change' and his call to 'do all we can to support the operation.'
Reform's deputy leader has taken a more aggressive stance, advocating for helping the US and Israel 'in any way they saw appropriate.' Meanwhile, the party's Treasury spokesperson, a former Conservative minister, laid out a 'hands off' position, warning that prolonged conflict would hurt British consumers. The Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire suggested she could support British troops on the ground in Iran, while former Conservative chancellor Nadhim Zahawi backed joining US and Israeli bombing efforts.
