By Sohaib Shams
New analysis of parliamentary records reveals that Reform UK MPs participated in only 30 per cent of defence debates and question sessions since the King's Speech in July 2024, raising questions about the party's engagement on security issues despite its ambition to form the next government.
Farage's Limited Participation
Nigel Farage, whom Reform's deputy leader Richard Tice identified as the party's defence spokesman, spoke in just 10 of 210 defence-related debates — less than 5 per cent. Nine of those interventions focused on the Chagos Islands dispute over the government's plan to hand sovereignty to Mauritius while leasing back the Diego Garcia base. Farage missed four additional debates after stepping down as an MP to trigger a by-election in Clacton.
Reform's Overall Record
Reform MPs took part in 63 of the 210 defence debates and question sessions, leaving 147 unattended. By contrast, Labour, Conservative and Liberal Democrat MPs recorded 100 per cent participation. Reform MP Lee Anderson contributed only twice on defence matters in two years, while Richard Tice led the party with 31 interventions covering Russia, the defence investment plan and Northern Ireland veterans.
Criticism and Response
Conservative shadow armed forces minister Mark Francois, who commissioned the analysis, said Reform "simply 'don't do defence'" and noted the party still lacks a dedicated defence spokesman. A source close to Farage dismissed the findings as "phoney Commons debates" disconnected from public concerns. A Reform UK spokesman countered that Farage has fought hardest to save the Chagos Islands, citing backing from the Chagossian First Minister.
