OPINION – JONATHAN SAXTY: Both Labour and the Tories have dropped the ball… this is a vital area in which Reform can build credibility and fast
I am writing this from Taiwan, which would be Ground Zero in any World War Three scenario. Forget Ukraine. Whatever sympathies one may have for the Ukrainians, as we have seen since 2022 the geopolitical implications of a Russian war are not that profound. Beyond energy price rises and calls for more defence spending, has the world been dragged into any global economic and military meltdown? The answer is of course no. Taiwan is a whole different proposition. If China tried to take over the world’s semiconductor king, it would drag us all down since the US and allies would have to engage.
The difference with Ukraine is geography. Taiwan sits in the middle of the ‘first island chain’, a network of Western allied island countries which currently block China from projecting power into the Pacific and pushing Uncle Sam out of the region. Two of these countries, Japan and the Philippines, directly host US troops. Between them sits Taiwan, which China has no option but to control if it wants to make good on leader Xi Jinping’s pledge to achieve full geopolitical parity with the US.
This also explains why the US cannot sit in splendid isolation, and – since Beijing is likely to make use of its North Korean and Pakistani proxies – India, Japan and Korea are likely to get involved as well. The economic implications alone are off the charts. This is the world’s industrial centre, where virtually all your stuff gets made. Imagine it grinding to a halt with multiple nuclear powers eyeballing one another.
The idea that a blue water navy and nuclear weapon state like Britain could sit perched on the edge of the world seems for the birds. This makes Reform’s recent defence spokesman announcement so interesting. Wing Commander Angus MacIntyre said on his appointment: “The two old guard parties have left our Armed Forces under severe pressure. The cuts during the Brown and Blair years took chunks from the ranks of all three services.
“The Conservatives promised to fix it, but over their 14 years in government, they oversaw a further decline in our military power. Neither can be trusted. Only Reform UK can fix and rebuild our Armed Forces.”
Defence and foreign affairs are areas where Reform can build credibility and, while all attention has been on Russia, Reform has a chance to get to grips with the much bigger threat of an expansionist China. This is especially the case since the Tories have in their foreign affairs head a man who has made a name as a China hawk. The last thing Reform wants is for the Conservatives to get ahead on this.
Nigel Farage’s party can point out – as with immigration, crime and the economy – how the Conservatives and Labour have been unmitigated failures and cannot be trusted to look after our national defence (whether on spending or looking after veterans).
With Wing Commander MacIntyre, Reform is looking more credible in areas beyond its core strengths. Now the party needs to develop a coordinated policy on what I suspect will be the biggest and most urgent geopolitical question of the next few years.
‘Where’s my reparation cash?’ – Boris blasts slavery demand with bombshell revelation
The ex-PM has launched a blistering broadside against plans to pay slavery reparations.
The ex-PM has launched a blistering broadside against plans to pay slavery reparations (Image: Getty)
Boris Johnson has launched a blistering broadside against plans to pay slavery reparations, revealing his own great-great-grandmother was sold as a child. The former Tory premier tore into Prime Minister Andy Burnham for opening the door to official apologies and compensation, branding the push a “fiasco” and pure “madness”. In an extraordinary disclosure, Mr Johnson revealed family ancestry research confirmed he is the direct descendant of a slave girl bought at a 19th-century Istanbul market. He said his ancestor, Hanife Feride, was a Circassian refugee fleeing Russian imperial aggression in the Caucasus who was shipped across the Black Sea and put up for auction in the Grand Bazaar. She was later purchased by a Turkish woman and married to a 43-year-old businessman at just 13.
“Her name was Hanife Feride and she is my great-great-grandmother. Yes, folks, it’s true… it seems undeniable: that we Johnsons are descended from slavery,” he wrote.
Seizing on the discovery, the ex-Prime Minister turned Daily Mail columnist used this week’s column to ridicule calls for British taxpayers to fund historic atonement packages, asking if anyone seriously believed his own family deserved a payout. “Let me ask you: does anyone out there seriously think that the large, sprawling, and broadly affluent Johnson family deserve any kind of taxpayer-funded compensation?” he asked.
“Would you like to see me get some sudden wodge of cash, in compensation for the undoubted injustice suffered by my great-great-grandmother? Of course you wouldn’t.”
Targeting the current occupant of No 10, Mr Johnson branded Mr Burnham a “muppet” after he pledged to launch a year-long “structured dialogue” on making amends and offered £40million in assistance to Caribbean nations. He warned the move would expose hard-working Britons to a financial black hole that could cost “literally hundreds of billions of pounds.”
Taking aim at both the Government and the Church of England – which established a £100million fund over historic links to slavery – he argued the UK taxpayer was being dragged into a “fatuous shakedown campaign.”
Andy Burnham and the King have been asked for a transatlantic slave trade apology (Image: Getty)
“We should not pay a red cent to the descendants of slavery. It is the quintessence of insanity. You might as well pay me,” he added.
Warning of the endless precedent it would set for the country, Mr Johnson pointed out that Britain had invaded 171 of the 193 UN member states throughout history, concluding: “If we concede this ridiculous principle, of paying compensation for the regrettable deeds of our distant ancestors, we will be in the dock for eternity.”
The row erupted after Mr Burnham ditched Britain’s longstanding refusal to apologise for the transatlantic slave trade. Despite ruling out direct cash payouts, the Prime Minister sparked fury by confirming he is “open” to an official state apology. He also unveiled a £40million Caribbean aid package and a year-long “structured dialogue” to explore how the UK can make amends.
Yet the move backfired on both sides. Caribbean leaders and campaigners instantly dismissed the £40million as inadequate, demanding full restorative justice, while critics warned any formal apology would open the door to claims worth hundreds of billions.
The toxic row also dragged in the Royal Family ahead of a Commonwealth summit in Antigua and Barbuda. Buckingham Palace stepped in to distance King Charles from the crossfire, firmly clarifying that his role as head of the Commonwealth is about “inspiring and convening, rather than policy making.”
Nigel Farage’s Latest Appointment Shows Reform Getting to Grips With a Crucial Issue
Nigel Farage has made another significant move in his efforts to strengthen Reform UK’s position by appointing former RAF Wing Commander Angus MacIntyre as the party’s defence spokesman. The appointment signals a growing focus on national security and Britain’s military capabilities, an issue that could become increasingly important in the country’s political debate.
For a party that has traditionally attracted attention through its policies on immigration, Brexit and economic reform, the latest announcement represents an attempt to demonstrate that Reform is also developing expertise in areas of national importance.
The appointment comes at a time when Britain’s defence capabilities, international security and relationships with major global powers are receiving increasing attention.
Farage’s decision suggests that Reform wants to be taken seriously not simply as a protest party but as a political organisation preparing to address the responsibilities of government.
Who Is Angus MacIntyre?
Angus MacIntyre is a former Royal Air Force Wing Commander who has been appointed as Reform UK’s defence spokesman.
His military background gives him experience in an area where political parties increasingly face questions about their credibility and understanding of national security.
Following his appointment, MacIntyre criticised the previous records of both Labour and the Conservatives on defence.
He argued that decisions made by successive governments had left Britain’s armed forces under considerable pressure.
He also highlighted reductions in military capabilities during previous administrations and questioned whether the established parties could deliver the improvements needed.
His appointment provides Reform with an identifiable figure to communicate its defence policies and explain its proposals for Britain’s armed forces.
Why Defence Has Become Such an Important Issue
National defence has become increasingly important as international tensions continue to develop.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has fundamentally changed European security discussions, forcing governments to reconsider military readiness, defence spending and the protection of critical infrastructure.
At the same time, tensions involving China and Taiwan have created concerns about the possibility of a wider international confrontation.
Taiwan occupies a strategically important position in the Indo-Pacific region and plays a central role in the global semiconductor industry.
Any major conflict involving Taiwan could have serious consequences for international trade, technology supplies and global economic stability.
For Britain, these developments raise questions about its ability to protect national interests while maintaining strong relationships with allies.
Reform’s latest appointment suggests that the party recognises the importance of these challenges.
Reform Wants to Challenge Labour and the Conservatives
Farage has repeatedly argued that Britain’s traditional political parties have failed to address important national problems.
On defence, Reform is attempting to present a different approach by questioning previous decisions on military spending, recruitment and equipment.
The party believes Britain needs armed forces capable of responding to modern security threats.
However, the debate is not simply about how much money the government spends.
Defence planning also involves ensuring that military personnel have appropriate equipment, training and support.
Britain must maintain capable naval forces, an effective air force and a properly equipped army while adapting to new technologies such as drones, cyber capabilities and advanced missile systems.
Reform will need to explain how it intends to achieve these objectives and how its proposals would be funded.
The Growing Importance of China
One particularly interesting aspect of the latest political discussion is the emphasis on China.
While much of Britain’s recent defence debate has focused on Russia and the war in Ukraine, the Indo-Pacific region presents a different set of strategic challenges.
China’s growing military and economic influence has become a major consideration for Western governments.
Taiwan is especially important because of its geographical position and its role in the production of advanced semiconductors.
A serious crisis in the region could disrupt international supply chains and create major economic consequences for countries far beyond Asia.
Britain therefore needs a clear understanding of how developments in the Indo-Pacific could affect its national security and economic interests.
Reform’s defence team will face questions about its position on China, Taiwan, international alliances and Britain’s relationship with the United States.
Can Reform Build a Credible Defence Policy?
Appointing an experienced military figure is an important organisational development, but it is only the beginning.
Reform must now demonstrate that it has a coherent defence strategy capable of addressing Britain’s long-term security requirements.
This includes explaining how it would approach defence spending, military recruitment, equipment procurement and support for veterans.
It must also establish how Britain should cooperate with NATO allies and respond to threats in Europe and the Indo-Pacific.
The party will need to provide detailed answers about how its proposals would work in practice.
Labour and the Conservatives already have established defence policies and experienced figures working in this area.
Reform will therefore face scrutiny over whether its proposals offer practical alternatives rather than simply criticism of previous governments.
What Does This Mean for Nigel Farage?
For Farage, the appointment represents part of a wider effort to expand Reform UK’s political identity.
The party has built much of its profile around immigration, national sovereignty and dissatisfaction with established political parties.
However, a party seeking to govern must also demonstrate that it can manage complicated areas such as defence, foreign affairs, healthcare and the economy.
By appointing Angus MacIntyre, Farage is signalling that Reform intends to develop a broader team with specific responsibilities.
This could help the party demonstrate its approach to issues that extend beyond its traditional campaigning priorities.
Nevertheless, the effectiveness of this strategy will depend on the policies and practical proposals that emerge from the new defence team.
Conclusion
Nigel Farage’s appointment of former RAF Wing Commander Angus MacIntyre as Reform UK’s defence spokesman marks an important development in the party’s efforts to expand its policy programme.
The decision brings military experience into Reform’s political team and places greater emphasis on Britain’s national security challenges.
With continuing tensions involving Russia, China and Taiwan, defence is likely to remain an important subject of political discussion.
Reform now faces the task of translating its criticism of previous governments into a detailed and credible strategy.
The key questions will concern military funding, Britain’s armed forces, international alliances and the country’s ability to respond to emerging threats.
For Farage, the appointment demonstrates an attempt to prepare Reform for a wider range of government responsibilities.
Whether the party can turn that ambition into a fully developed defence policy will become clearer as Angus MacIntyre and the wider team explain their proposals in the months ahead.