Ukraine is fighting for the same values as allies did in second world war, says Keir Starmer – UK politics live | Politics

Parliament will not benefit from “more Putin apologists”, a cabinet minister said, as he poured cold water on Nigel Farage’s call for the prime minister to allow him to appoint peers to the Lords.

Farage has previously pushed for reform of the upper chamber, saying it is too large and needs to be made more democratic.

According to the PA news agency, when asked about the Reform UK leader’s demands, defence secretary John Healey told LBC “the same Nigel Farage that called for the abolition of the House of Lords” wanted to fill it with “his cronies”.

He then added:

But look, I’m not sure that parliament’s going to benefit from more Putin apologists like Nigel Farage, to be honest.

Asked whether that accusation was “a bit strong”, Healey replied:

Look at what he’s said about Russia, look at what he’s said about Putin in the past. Look [at] what he said in the middle of the general election campaign.

At this point, when maximum pressure needs to be put on Putin to support Ukraine in negotiations, when the maximum condemnation of Putin is required from someone who is sitting down with Trump in Alaska but turning up the attacks on Ukraine, it needs all voices.

And I have to say, the voice of Reform is conspicuously absent in any of our discussions and any of our defence debates about Ukraine and about Russia. And I’d really welcome Nigel Farage weighing in alongside us and the other parties in the House of Commons to condemn Putin and to work, as we’re trying to do as well, to reinforce the prospects of peace.