Wales has shown the world what solidarity looks like. We became a Nation of Sanctuary, opened our homes to thousands of Ukrainian refugees, and stood firmly on the side of democracy and the rule of law. Yet at the same time, Reform UK, the party now desperate to present itself as the Voice of Wales, was long represented by Nathan Gill, a former Brexit Party and Reform UK politician who pleaded guilty to eight counts of bribery payments in return for pro-Russian statements.
This is not some abstract Westminster scandal, but one too close to home, in Wales. It strikes at the heart of our national security and our values. If Reform UK cannot even keep Russian influence out of its own ranks, why should the people of Wales trust them with our future?
And speaking of Reform UK, let’s take a look at its leader, Nigel Farage, a man who has been consistent with his defence of Putin’s illegal expansionist war in Ukraine. In a BBC Panorama interview, Mr Farage claimed that the West provoked Russia to attack Ukraine with “the ever-eastward expansion of NATO and the European Union“, despite these two institutions operating on a democratic basis; countries only join because they want to, not because they’re forced.
Mr Farage has also previously called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to seek a peace deal with Russia, despite most of the democratic world, Ukraine included, calling on Russia to end its illegal expansionist war, respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and pull all of its troops out immediately.
While Reform UK flirts with Kremlin narratives, the Liberal Democrats have been absolutely clear: Ukraine’s fight is our fight. It is a fight for democracy, international law and the security of Europe.
From the outset, the Liberal Democrats have consistently:
- Supported military, humanitarian and financial aid to Ukraine.
- Back the toughest possible sanctions on Russian oligarchs and state institutions.
- Called for the seizure of frozen Russian assets to rebuild Ukrainian homes and infrastructure.
- Defended NATO and the principle that every sovereign nation has the right to choose its own alliances.
- Stood up for Ukrainian refugees, not just in words, but in demanding faster routes to safety and support services in the UK.
In Wales, the Welsh Liberal Democrats backed the Nation of Sanctuary ethos long before the war began. When people flee tyranny, we should offer safety over suspicion. That value runs through our politics, our communities and our history.
The dividing lines have been drawn. While Wales opened its doors to Ukrainian families, Reform UK opened its arms to Russian influence. Welsh Liberal Democrats defend the rule of law, while Reform UK defends Putin’s propaganda. We stand with our allies, while Nigel Farage talks down the UK on the global stage, undermines NATO and blames the West for Russia’s illegal expansionist invasion of Ukraine.
Wales always has, and always will, stand with the oppressed over the oppressor. With democracy over dictatorship. With the rule of law over the rule of force. The Welsh Liberal Democrats must clearly state: you cannot support these values and vote for Reform UK. The two positions are incompatible.
As extremism and foreign interference rise, the question isn’t which party shouts the loudest, but which party will defend our values when it matters most. Reform UK has already shown us where they stand.
The Welsh Liberal Democrats must show the Welsh people that we will never waver, not in our commitment to Ukraine, not in our defence of democracy, and not in our belief that Wales is strongest when it stands with its allies, not with Putin apologists.
Reform UK figures have echoed Kremlin narratives about the war, and its former Welsh leader has pleaded guilty to bribery over payments tied to pro-Russian statements. That should concern anyone who wants Wales aligned with our democratic allies.
This is bigger than party politics. This is a battle for the future of Wales. This is when we choose which side we are on when it truly matters; Wales must never be on the side of those who side with authoritarianism.
* Jack Meredith is a member of the Welsh Liberal Democrats and an active campaigner and canvasser with Swansea and Gower Liberal Democrats. His writing focuses on democratic reform, social justice, trade unionism, economic democracy, and the institutional foundations of effective government. He has written for the Fabians, Lib Dem Voice, Liberator, Nation Cymru, Bylines Cymru, and Centre Think Tank.
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10 Comments
Here are a couple of other useful examples of Farage and the gang favouring Russia:
Nationalists (including UKIP) defy EU condemnation of Russia abuses: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-33083388
Brexit party MEPs vote against plans to tackle Russian propaganda
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/oct/10/brexit-party-meps-vote-against-measure-to-combat-russian-propaganda
Ukip under fire after blocking scrutiny of party donations
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/ukip/11666944/Ukip-under-fire-after-blocking-scrutiny-of-party-donations.html
I agree with Jack – the party needs to pick this up widely.
I’m confident the majority of voters in Wales are not thinking about the integrity of Ukraine’s borders in the east of it’s country.
But are getting by day to day with inflation nearly doubled, record rises in council tax, soaring private rents, the Welsh NHS year on year underperforming and now the absurdity of Sanctuary cities – a virtue signalling gesture of no real meaning or depth.
You are absolutely correct to highlight Reform’s approach to the ongoing war. While they would be willing to allow Russia to keep the territory it has captured to get peace, we reject any peace treaty that allows Russia to keep any Ukrainian territory. Continuing war is preferable to a settlement that rewards Russia in any way.
I’m not sure the situation in Ukraine will be the top concern of voters in May, but it can not harm our campaign to draw attention to Reform’s position.
@In response to Greg Hyde:
Thank you for your comment. I completely agree that people in Wales are facing serious day-to-day challenges, and must be confronted seriously. But two things can be true at the same time.
We can push for better housing, healthcare, fair taxation and public services, along with defending democracy abroad. When dictators redraw borders by force, it makes the whole world more dangerous.
Opposing extremism and fixing everyday problems go hand-in-hand and are part of the same fight for a fairer and safer Wales and broader world.
While agreeing totally with Jack on his views on the importance of Ukraine, I think he is misguided if he thinks that it will have any impact whatsoever on the result we get in the Welsh elections in 2026 – unless of course Ed makes it a major issue nationally.
In response to @Jean Melville
Thank you for your comment, and you’re right in your condemnation of Russia. While it is true that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine may not be at the very top of voters’ concerns in May, it is still a huge issue that must be addressed, and as you say, it doesn’t hurt to draw attention to Reform’s hypocrisy!
In response to @Tristan Ward
Thank you for the links! It really does show that contempt for democracy and international law isn’t a new thing for Farage et al, and only highlights how deep his rhetoric on issues like this runs. The sooner we pick this up across the whole party, the better.
In response to @David Evans
Thank you for your response, and I appreciate your agreement on the matter. I must be honest, I haven’t written this from a “this is surely a vote-winner” perspective, but more because it is the right thing to do. Democracy is an institution, as is international law. When we, as liberals, do not speak up in defence of it, we allow people like Farage, Galloway, Tice, etc., to occupy those spaces and denounce it. It’s this principle which guides me and guided my article 🙂
“allow people like Farage, Galloway, Tice etc to occupy those spaces and denounce it” meaning democracy and international law. Jack, they respond in ways that do not stand up for democracy elsewhere, but at home their message is the opposite. They claim to speak on behalf of people, saying what other politicians will not, saying it ‘as it is’ and speaking on behalf of many who have previously been ignored. I have met people who really do believe that because of this, Farage in particular is more democratic than any other politician. That is part of the reality we now face.
David Evans is misguided in thinking Jack Meredith misguided. Fraud takes citizens’ money as well as their blood. Our LibDem-backed Postmaster Group can prove categorically that David is being deceived, and so is unwittingly deceiving others, about this. Rather an important issue, one might think. Challenge accepted?