Britain ‘doesn’t have a navy’ capable of joining foreign war, says far-right leader

LONDON

The UK's far-right leader Nigel Farage said the country should not become directly involved in “another foreign war," arguing that the country lacks the military capability to do so.

Speaking at a Reform UK press conference on Tuesday, Farage said Britain did not currently have the naval capacity to take part in military operations alongside the US and Israel.

“We cannot get involved directly in another foreign war. We don’t have a navy,” he said.

Farage also questioned the UK’s ability to defend its own overseas military presence, referring to the British base in Cyprus. “We can’t even defend our own military base in Cyprus,” he said.

“Given that we can’t even send a Royal Naval vessel to defend British sovereign territory and an RAF base, we certainly don’t have the capability to offer anything of any value to the Americans or the Israelis.”

He described the state of the Royal Navy as a "catastrophe."

Farage also criticized the government's response to the situation in Iran, saying evacuation efforts are limited.

“I think so far the government has had one charter plane, and even that broke down and was 24 hours late,” he added.

Despite arguing the UK should not join military action, Farage said he strongly disagreed with the initial refusal by Prime Minister Keir Starmer to allow the US to use UK bases for its joint offensive with Israel against Iran.

He contrasted the UK’s approach with that of France, saying the actions of French President Emmanuel Macron and his intention to help clear the Strait of Hormuz demonstrated the “humiliating state that we’ve sunk to today.”

Farage acknowledged that there are differing views about whether Britain should join the attacks.

“So there are differing opinions as to whether we should physically join the attacks. I, as a leader, am saying to you, if we can’t even defend (Greek) Cyprus, let’s not get ourselves involved in another foreign war,” he said.

Last month, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the UK needs to "go faster" on increasing defense spending, following reports that the government is considering a significant acceleration of its military funding targets.

Currently, the UK spends roughly 2.3% to 2.4% of its GDP on defense.

While this comfortably exceeds the long-standing 2% NATO minimum, it trails behind several frontline states such as Poland, Estonia, and the US.

According to a House of Commons Defense Select Committee report released last year, the UK has “no plan for defending the homeland” and is failing to prepare for rising global threats.

While the UK remains a leading European military power, its ability to sustain this position is “under pressure,” the report said.

It warned that NATO—described as the “cornerstone of UK defense policy”—faces challenges from "Russian aggression," changing US priorities, and “systemic threats posed by China, Iran, and North Korea.”