‘Putin’s puppets’: Row as Reform accused of ‘abdication of responsibility’ over Ukraine statement

Reform UK was accused of an “abdication of responsibility” as at least two MPs alleged none of the party’s representatives spoke in the chamber to respond to the prime minister’s statement on defence.

SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn referred to the party, led by Clacton MP Nigel Farage, as “Putin’s puppets”, as he took a swipe at its purported non-attendance on Tuesday afternoon.

Conservative MP Simon Hoare added: “What an abdication of responsibility and duty that on these precious issues of defence and security, there’s not a single member of the Reform party who’s capable or able to stand and ask a question to the prime minister this afternoon.”

But Lee Anderson, who serves as Reform’s chief whip, appeared to refute the accusations in a point of order later on Tuesday.

The Ashfield MP said: “During the debate on defence and security, the leader of the SNP described Reform UK MPs as ‘Putin’s puppets’ and [said] that they were missing from the debate.

“This is not true. I was present for the prime minister’s statement, left for a comfort break and returned for the rest of the debate.”

He went on to accuse Flynn of “misleading the House”.

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