Yvette Cooper criticises Reform and the Greens for their approach toward Russia and NATO commitments

At the Munich Security Conference, foreign secretary Yvette Cooper launched an attack on Reform UK and the Green party, characterizing their positions as undermining Britain’s NATO commitment. Cooper stated that national security requires strong international partnerships, which both parties allegedly weaken through their approach to the alliance.

Cooper specifically criticized Reform for failing to take Russian threats seriously. She highlighted that the party had refused to investigate Russian interference within its own ranks, despite a prominent Welsh leader’s conviction for accepting bribes from a suspected Russian asset to promote pro-Kremlin messaging.

The foreign secretary pointed to what she described as Reform’s dismissive attitude toward Russian aggression. She referenced incidents involving lethal poisons used in British territory and cited international statements regarding Russia’s role in the death of opposition leader Alexei Navalny, suggesting Reform downplays these serious threats.

Reform leader Nigel Farage has maintained that Western expansion provoked Russia’s Ukraine invasion. In a recent podcast interview, Farage defended his previous claims about NATO and EU eastward expansion, characterizing the 2014 Ukrainian protests that removed a pro-Russian president as a “street coup” that destroyed democracy.

Farage’s position contains apparent contradictions, as Reform supports Ukrainian NATO membership and advocates for increased UK defence spending to strengthen the alliance, despite his criticism of NATO expansion policies.

Labour also targeted the Green party’s NATO stance. Green leader Zack Polanski affirmed commitment to Article 5, NATO’s collective defence clause, yet suggested the possibility of eventual withdrawal. Polanski has personally advocated dismantling aspects of the UK-US defence relationship and reducing spending on American military equipment, though these views lack official party endorsement.