Nigel Farage will unveil his armed forces spokesperson on Thursday (Image: Getty)
Nigel Farage has appointed a former military officer as Reform UK’s defence spokesman. Senior RAF Regimented officer Angus MacIntyre helped Ukraine thwart Russian killers during Vladimir Putin’s illegal invasion.
He has a military career spanning 40 years, having stood down as a commissioned Wing Commander in the Royal Air Force in order to take up the role with the party. Mr Farage said: “Having someone of Angus’ stature and calibre speak for us on defence shows how seriously Reform UK takes protecting the interests of Britain’s military.
“Angus has more experience than the entire government defence team combined. He is representative of our drive to bring into politics people with high-level and real-world experience – as opposed to career politicians – to run government departments.”
Mr MacIntyre has completed tours in Afghanistan, Kuwait, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Iraq, and Somalia.
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He has worked to support Ukraine since 2022 after the Russians launched their illegal invasion.
Serving as part of the NATO HQ in Brussels, he supported the UK Military Representative to NATO and was was awarded a commendation for his work in Kiev.
His appointment comes as Mr Farage accused Labour of “betraying” the armed forces and veterans by funding illegal migrants. Reform UK’s leader took aim at the ruling party while unveiling plans to offer extra support to service personnel buying a home.
He said: “Labour is betraying our armed forces and veterans. Whether it be failing to properly fund defence or veteran homelessness, they have chosen to fund illegal migrants instead of those who serve our country. Under a Reform government, a far greater proportion of armed forces personnel will be able to purchase their own home outright, helping to end the blight of veteran homelessness.”
His party will expand the existing Forces Help to Buy scheme for those serving in the armed forces, raising the cap on loans to 100% of a person’s yearly salary up to £50,000. The policy will cost up to £80million a year once established, the party said.
Armed forces personnel are currently eligible for a programme that offers interest-free loans of up to 50% up to a maximum of £25,000. Personnel typically pay this back over the course of 10 years from their post-tax income.
If the loan is over £10,000, HM Revenue and Customs considers it to be a “beneficial loan” and a taxable benefit-in-kind, meaning that they pay additional tax on the forgone interest that they otherwise would have paid on a commercial loan.
They also pay a small insurance surcharge each month to provide cover for the loan in the case of death-in-service or severe disability.
Reform UK said: “We would also end the punitive tax treatment that results in servicemen and women paying additional tax as a result of their taking out the loan, and remove the insurance surcharge, funding this directly from the government.”
Luke Pollard, Labour’s minister for defence readiness and industry, said: “The British people can’t afford national security to be treated as an afterthought. The fact it’s taken Reform nearly 2,000 days to appoint someone to focus on defence is an utter dereliction of duty by Nigel Farage.
“If Reform got into government, their Defenceless Plan would wave a white flag to our enemies and weaken our standing on the world stage – just when Labour has rebuilt our reputation.
“Farage’s ambivalence when it comes to the defence of the realm should come as no surprise. He’s spent years parroting Kremlin talking points, and his former leader in Wales is currently in prison for taking pro-Russian bribes.
“National security should be the first duty of any government or any party seeking to hold high office.”
NIGEL FARAGE ACCUSES LABOUR OF ‘BETRAYING’ BRITAIN’S ARMED FORCES AS HE UNVEILS MAJOR NEW REFORM APPOINTMENT!
Nigel Farage has launched a fresh attack on the Labour Government, accusing ministers of failing Britain’s armed forces and veterans while announcing a major new appointment within Reform UK.
The Reform leader made the announcement on November 5, unveiling former senior Royal Air Force officer Angus MacIntyre as the party’s new armed forces spokesperson.
The appointment marks an important development in Reform UK’s efforts to strengthen its defence credentials and demonstrate that it has the experience needed to challenge the established political parties.
Farage used the announcement to deliver a pointed message to Labour, claiming that the government had its priorities wrong when it came to supporting military personnel and former service members.
His comments have reignited the debate over defence spending, military recruitment, veterans’ welfare and the future of Britain’s armed forces.
Angus MacIntyre: The Man Behind Reform’s New Defence Role
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Angus MacIntyre brings approximately 40 years of military experience to his new political role.
He recently stepped down as a commissioned Wing Commander in the Royal Air Force to join Reform UK.
His military career included service in Afghanistan, Kuwait, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Iraq and Somalia.
He also worked with NATO headquarters in Brussels and supported Britain’s military assistance to Ukraine following Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
His work in Ukraine earned him a commendation from the Vice Chief of the Defence Staff.
Farage praised his appointment, arguing that bringing someone with extensive military experience into the party’s senior team demonstrated its commitment to defence.
The Reform leader also claimed MacIntyre had more experience than the government’s entire defence team combined.
That comparison has been disputed by Labour, which points to the military experience of its own defence personnel.
Farage Accuses Labour of Betraying Veterans
During the announcement, Farage accused Labour of failing those who had served the country.
He argued that the government had not provided sufficient support for defence and veterans’ welfare.
He also raised concerns about veteran homelessness and the financial difficulties experienced by former service personnel.
Farage said:
“Labour is betraying our armed forces and veterans.”
He further criticised the government’s spending priorities, arguing that more resources should be directed towards British military personnel.
These comments form part of Reform UK’s wider attempt to position defence and national security as central political priorities.
Labour has rejected the criticism, defending its approach to defence spending and military readiness.
Reform Announces New Forces Housing Policy
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One of the most significant announcements concerned housing support for serving military personnel.
Reform UK has proposed expanding the existing Forces Help to Buy scheme.
Under the current arrangement, eligible service personnel can access interest-free loans worth up to 50 per cent of their annual salary, subject to a maximum of £25,000.
Reform wants to increase the maximum loan to 100 per cent of annual salary, capped at £50,000.
The party has also proposed removing the additional tax treatment associated with certain loans and eliminating the monthly insurance surcharge.
Reform estimates that the expanded scheme could cost up to £80 million annually once fully established.
The proposal is intended to help more members of the Armed Forces purchase their own homes.
However, the policy would need to be assessed in terms of eligibility, affordability and its long-term cost to taxpayers.
Why Military Housing Has Become Such an Important Issue
Housing is a significant concern for serving personnel and veterans.
Military families can face repeated relocations, difficulties finding suitable accommodation and uncertainty about where they will live after leaving the Armed Forces.
Some former service members also experience homelessness or struggle to secure stable employment after their military careers end.
Supporters of expanding Forces Help to Buy argue that greater financial assistance could provide military families with more security.
Critics may question whether increasing loans alone is enough to address the wider housing difficulties facing service personnel.
Other issues include the availability of military accommodation, rental costs and the support provided to veterans transitioning into civilian life.
Labour Hits Back at Nigel Farage
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Labour did not allow Farage’s announcement to pass without a response.
Defence minister Luke Pollard criticised Reform for taking so long to appoint a dedicated defence spokesperson.
He argued that national security should have been a priority for any political party seeking to form a government.
Pollard also challenged Farage’s record on defence and raised questions about Reform’s proposed policies.
Labour has emphasised its own defence investment plans and commitments to strengthening Britain’s military capabilities.
The disagreement highlights how defence is becoming an increasingly important area of political competition.
What Does Angus MacIntyre Want to Change?
MacIntyre has criticised decisions made by previous Labour and Conservative governments, arguing that both parties have contributed to the difficulties facing Britain’s Armed Forces.
He has highlighted reductions in military capacity and called for changes to the way veterans are treated by the legal system.
One particularly controversial proposal involves introducing new legislation restricting prosecutions of military personnel for actions carried out during authorised operations.
He has also advocated a time limit for certain legal proceedings.
Such proposals raise complicated questions about veterans’ rights, accountability and the rule of law.
Supporters argue that service personnel need protection from repeated investigations over historical events.
Others warn that legal safeguards must not prevent legitimate investigations into serious wrongdoing.
Britain’s Defence Spending Under Scrutiny
The announcement comes amid wider concerns about Britain’s military readiness.
The country faces an increasingly complicated international security environment, including Russia’s war against Ukraine and growing tensions in other regions.
Reform has pledged to increase defence spending to 3.5 per cent of GDP by 2035.
The government has also committed to strengthening Britain’s defence capabilities, although questions remain about funding, procurement and the speed at which military improvements can be delivered.
The debate is not simply about how much money should be spent.
It is also about ensuring that the money reaches the personnel, equipment and infrastructure that need it most.
Can Reform Convince Voters on Defence?
MacIntyre’s appointment gives Reform a senior spokesperson with extensive military experience.
The party hopes this will strengthen its credibility on national security and address criticism that it previously lacked a dedicated defence figure.
However, experience alone will not determine whether its proposals are workable.
Voters will want detailed answers about military recruitment, equipment, housing, veterans’ support and the long-term financial commitments involved.
Labour will also face scrutiny over whether its own defence promises translate into measurable improvements.
The issue is likely to remain an important part of the political debate.
A New Political Battle Over Britain’s Armed Forces
Farage’s announcement has opened another front in the political battle between Reform UK and Labour.
At its heart are questions about how Britain supports those who serve in the Armed Forces and what responsibilities the government has towards veterans.
The appointment of Angus MacIntyre provides Reform with a new voice on these issues.
Whether his experience and the party’s proposals will convince the public remains to be seen.
What is certain is that defence policy, military housing and veterans’ welfare are now receiving renewed political attention.
THE BIG QUESTIONS:
- Should Forces Help to Buy loans increase to £50,000?
- Are British veterans receiving enough support from the government?
- Should defence spending become a higher national priority?
- Can Reform UK offer a credible alternative defence policy?
- What more should Britain do to prevent homelessness among former service personnel?
The debate is ultimately about the people who have served Britain and whether political promises will translate into meaningful improvements in their lives.