Reform UK MP Richard Tice has issued a staunch defence of the party’s stance on Ukraine, insisting on GB News it is unwavering.
The party has faced scrutiny after President Trump’s public fallout with Volodymyr Zelensky, given their strong support for the former.
Tice said on GB News he has done more than most political figures in Britain when it comes to Ukraine, even driving to the war-torn nation to deliver supplies to the front line.
He told Camilla Tominey about his first hand experience of witnessing “mothers weeping over graves” while insisting the drama in the Oval Office did nothing to shift his party’s attitude.
Richard Tice, Zelensky and Donald Trump
GB NEWS / POOL
Asked if he “regrets” the party’s unwavering support for Trump, he said: “The reality is, everyone wants peace and peace negotiations are always difficult, tense and there are difficult compromises to be made.
“Those negotiations are clearly best done behind closed doors and most conflicts and wars end up in some form of negotiation.]
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Donald Trump told Zelensky he is 'gambling with World War 3' in a fiery exchangeREUTERS“As Nigel has said, the only peace that works is an enduring, lasting peace with robust security guarantees. That should be the only focus. How do we make sure Putin is deterred from ever trying this monstrosity ever again?”
Probed further by Camilla on the matter and Reform’s “degree of silence”, Tice burst into action with a passionate rant.
“I was in Parliament, in the Commons on Thursday and I spoke up very robustly for Ukraine”, he said.
“I was reminding people that I think I am the only senior political figure that has donated a five-figure sum, bought a 4x4 pickup, filled it with medical supplies, driven it to Ukraine, given it to frontline soldiers and stood at the cemetery and seen mothers weeping over the graves of their sons.
Tominey quizzed Richard Tice on his party's Ukraine stance
GB NEWS
“I am not taking any nonsense from anybody. We are completely robust.”
Camilla said Reform appears “divided” on the war, with some on the “Churchillian” wing of the party while some are “very Trumpian”.
“We have always said Putin is the aggressor”, he said. “As I have said, we want these negotiations behind closed doors.
“It was only Reform in the general election that had 2.5 per cent GDP defence spending in three years and three per cent in six years.
“We know better than any other party that you get peace through strength. The best way to guarantee peace is to prepare for war.”
He insisted there is “no reluctance” from Nigel Farage to show solidarity with Zelensky, saying, “what’s important is not to criticise leaders doing a difficult job trying to get lasting peace.
“Can you imagine the tension and pressure on Zelensky? Likewise, there is pressure on Trump. He has told the American electorate he is going to get a peace deal.
“That is what he is trying to do.”
