Vladimir Putin is allegedly backing Nigel Farage and his right-wing populist allies in a bid to sow discord in Europe, according to David Lammy. Lammy criticized Reform UK, pointing out that their former leader in Wales, Nathan Gill, was recently convicted of accepting funds from the Kremlin. Lammy’s remarks come after Farage faced scrutiny for his past praise of Putin, despite now denouncing him as a “very bad dude.”
Addressing a gathering of European socialists in Amsterdam, Lammy highlighted Gill’s conviction and accused the Kremlin of supporting anti-European unity networks. He expressed concerns about the international populist right network, connecting Farage to various right-wing figures globally.
Lammy cautioned about the effectiveness of this network in organizing and collaborating across borders, mentioning prominent figures such as Martin Sellner, Tommy Robinson, Steve Bannon, Marine Le Pen, and others. He emphasized that the political landscape is in flux, with voters seeking change from both ends of the spectrum.
In a defiant tone, Lammy vowed that Farage and his allies would not succeed in their endeavors. He criticized Farage for attacking institutions and stoking grievances, stating that such tactics would not prevail in elections across Europe.
Farage, in response to criticism over his stance on Russia and the Ukraine conflict, affirmed his commitment to Britain’s national security by supporting measures like shooting down Russian jets in NATO airspace and using frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine.