Reform UK MPs have come under fire after most of them failed to turn up for Keir Starmer’s statement on boosting defence spending.
SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn took a swipe at the party, branding them “Putin’s poodles” as MPs debated the PM’s plans.
Where Were Reform UK’s MPs?
Starmer announced that defence spending will increase to 2.7% of GDP by 2027, with the extra cash coming from cuts to foreign aid.
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As Flynn rose to speak, Reform UK’s usual seats were empty. Taking aim at their absence, he said:
“Aside from a few of Putin’s poodles who are not in their seats here today, we are of course united in our support for the people of Ukraine.”
His remarks drew attention to Nigel Farage’s past comments, where he expressed admiration for Vladimir Putin and claimed the West “provoked” Russia into invading Ukraine.
Reform MP Lee Anderson, who later returned to the chamber, accused Flynn of misleading the Commons.
“I was present for the prime minister’s statement, left for a comfort break, and returned for the rest of the debate. In fact, I’ve been in the chamber for nearly four hours today.”
Anderson then pointed out that Flynn and other SNP MPs were nowhere to be seen when he came back.
“The leader of the SNP has misled the house and should apologise—if you can find him.”
Outrageous Accusations.
Today the bewildered looking leader of the SNPs stated that none of us Reform UKs were present.
For the record – I've spent nearly 4 hours in the Chamber already today.
Speaker Lindsay Hoyle appeared unimpressed with late arrivals, telling MPs:
“Can I say to those who were late, please don’t embarrass the chair by standing.”
Immediately after, Tory MP Simon Hoare piled on the criticism:
“What an abdication of responsibility and duty that on these crucial issues of defence and security, not a single member of the Reform Party was capable or able to stand and ask the prime minister a question.”
With the Ukraine war ongoing and defence spending in focus, Reform UK’s absence has sparked major backlash.
