Farage says Britain faces 'defencelessness', singles out Russia as top threat

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has described Russia as the greatest state threat, accusing Moscow of targeting Britain through cyberattacks, espionage and attempts to disrupt undersea cables.His remarks came as the party announced plans for its first national security review, setting out how it would approach defence and foreign policy if it came to power.The review will be led by Reform's armed forces spokesman Angus MacIntyre and coordinated with military, intelligence and diplomatic experts. The party says it will examine the threats facing Britain and propose measures to strengthen national defence.“Britain is heading towards defencelessness. Our armed forces have been gutted, our nuclear deterrent is creaking, and our borders are wide open,” Farage said.He accused the government of failing to provide the resources needed by the armed forces and criticised the lack of military experience of the person responsible for overseeing Britain's defences.“Unlike the old parties, we are clear-eyed about the threats from Russia, Iran, China and the rising threat from Islamist extremists,” he said, adding that Reform would prioritise border security and increase funding for the military.Russia, Iran and China in Reform's security assessmentWhile Russia was singled out as the biggest state threat, Reform's review is also expected to focus on Iran, China and Islamist extremist groups.The party described Iran as the world's “largest state-sponsor of terrorism”