Reform UK has been accused of dramatically reversing its stance on the Iran conflict after previously voicing strong support for Britain to back US and Israeli military strikes.
Senior figures within the party had publicly endorsed the action after it began just over a week ago, with several calling for the UK to support the operation alongside its allies.
Among them was former Conservative chancellor Nadhim Zahawi, who defected to Reform earlier this year and said: “We should join the bombing if needed.”
Party leader Nigel Farage also voiced strong backing at the time, declaring: “We should do all we can to support the operation. I make that perfectly, perfectly clear.”
He added: “The gloves need to come off, we need to accept that we are part of this with the Americans and the Israelis. We have to take the gloves off. We have to get rid of this regime.”
Reform deputy leader Richard Tice likewise urged Britain to stand by its allies, posting on X that the UK should act “responsibly” in supporting them.
Responding to criticism online, he wrote: “What is your plan? Wait til the Iranian regime commits another terrorist outrage in the UK, directly or via proxy, then wring your hands? Or just rely on US to protect us?”
Reform UK Iran War Stance Changes After Farage Signals Opposition To Military Involvement
However, the party’s tone shifted this week when Farage struck a more cautious note during a press conference on Tuesday.
He said: “If we can’t even defend Cyprus, let’s not get ourselves involved in another foreign war.”
The remarks marked a significant shift from the party’s earlier position advocating support for the strikes.
The change in messaging has come amid a sharp rise in global oil prices, which economists warn could increase mortgage rates, petrol costs and inflation in the UK.
Political Critics Accuse Nigel Farage Of ‘Panic’ As Polling Shows Growing Public Opposition
Opponents have seized on the shift, claiming the party’s position had altered as the economic implications of the conflict became clearer.
A Labour source said: “Nigel Farage and Reform spent the past week saying they would bomb Iran.
“Now they’re backtracking as petrol prices rise, leaving their foreign policy in chaos. That’s not serious leadership, that’s panic.”
Polling also suggests public opinion has become more sceptical about the conflict. According to YouGov, 59% of voters now say the conflict is a bad idea, compared with 49% last week.
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Despite that shift, overall support for military action has remained steady at 25%, the pollsters said.
Labour chair Anna Turley criticised Farage’s earlier comments, saying: “Going to war is the most serious decision a prime minister can make.
“Nigel Farage spent the past week calling for escalation that would make cost of living pressures even worse.
“If he had been prime minister he would have already dragged our country into this war and wouldn’t be able to U-turn like he has done today.”
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