Never mind Reforming the UK, Nigel Farage Must Reform his Relationship with The US if his Party is to Remain Relevant
Nigel Farage has recently faced criticism the House of Commons for making what the Prime Minister described as a “rare appearance back in the UK,” casting doubt on the notable populist’s commitment to his own constituency and, crucially, the British national interest. Leader of Reform UK, formally the United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP), Farage spearheaded the Vote Leave campaign in the 2016 Brexit Referendum, successfully advocating for Britain to renounce its membership of the European Union. Critical of the 1972 European Communities Act which asserted the dominance of EU legislation over domestic policy, Farage argued that Britain should ‘vote leave’ to once again become “a proud, patriotic country that has control of its borders, represents itself on the world stage and makes its own laws in our own sovereign Parliament”.
After Vote Leave secured a marginal win in the referendum, Farage went on to campaign alongside Donald Trump in the presidential election of the same year. Standing on a similarly populist mandate which Farage described as ‘Brexit times two,’ Mr Trump repeatedly rolled out the now infamous slogan of ‘Make America Great Again.’ The first British politician to meet with Mr Trump after his victory, Farage was described by him as well placed to serve as UK ambassador to the US. In 2024, the cross-Atlantic friendship appears to remain strong, though how much practical currency the Reform UK Leader actually holds with the president-elect remains to be seen.
In October, Mr Trump filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission (the FEC) alleging that volunteering efforts on behalf of the UK Labour party amounted to ‘illegal, foreign national contributions’ in support of the Harris-Walz campaign, resulting in tensions between the UK Government and the upcoming Trump administration. Claiming that he ‘would be useful as an interlocutor,’ Farage said: “I’ve got a great relationship with Donald Trump but equally I know many of the other senior figures who will be in this administration and I’ve known them for quite a long time.” On election night, Mr Trump said Farage has ‘always been my friend for some reason. He liked me, I liked him, and he’s shaking it up pretty good over there [in the UK] … “He’s a little bit of a rebel but that’s good – don’t change, Nigel.”
Despite this, and with the rallying cry of ‘Make America Great Again’ supplanted by ultra-nationalist ‘America First,’ it will become increasingly difficult for Farage to claim that pandering to the Trump administration remains in the best interests of the British people.
The Battle for Europe: US Trade Tariffs and the War in Ukraine
During the election campaign, Mr Trump pledged to levy universal tariffs of 20% on all goods imported into the US, excluding China which would be subjected to tariffs of 60%, with the BBC claiming that this could cost the UK economy as much as £22 billion. More recent reports suggest that the UK could be exempt from such tariffs, with new Jersey governor Phil Murphey telling Sky News that Mr Trump ‘looks favourably’ upon the UK in the wake of its departure from the European Union. A powerful bargaining tool, Senior Trump officials say they are expecting European nations to be seeking ways to ‘impress’ Mr Trump during the transitional period prior to his inauguration on January 20th.
Defence expenditure has taken centre stage. Mr Trump has gone on record as stating that he will only adhere to NATO defence commitments where nations contribute enough of their annual GDP to national security. Recounting a conversation with ‘one of the presidents of a big country,’ he said “No, I would not protect you [in the event of a Russian invasion]. In fact, I would encourage them to do whatever the hell they want.” The UK has since reaffirmed its commitment to increasing defence expenditure to 2.5% and the move has broadly speaking enjoyed cross-party support.
The isolationist approach typical of the ‘America First’ movement is perhaps best epitomised by recent remarks made by the president-elect’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., who stated that the Ukrainian Government are about to ‘lose their allowance’ in the form of US funding to help fight the Russian invasion. This comes in the wake of Mr Trump claiming that he could end the war “within 24 hours,” ostensibly by negotiating a deal between the two nations. However, Democrats have voiced scepticism of the suggestion and Mr Trump’s perceived familiarity with President Putin, claiming that his approach “amounts to surrender for Ukraine and will endanger all of Europe.”
In the UK, Sir Kier Starmer has pledged a ‘steadfast’ commitment to Ukraine and has said that he wishes to see the nation in the ‘best possible position.’ The Prime minister is looking to forge a closer relationship with the EU on matters relating to the economy and defence. Whilst it remains to be seen if Mr Trump does indeed withdraw support for Ukraine, this would undoubtedly leave the UK and the rest of the NATO alliance in a precarious position and potentially open to billions of pounds in US trade tariffs should conflict arise.
Where does ‘America First’ leave Reform UK?
As the leader of the UK’s leading nationalist party, Nigel Farage must reconsider his relationship with the president-elect if Reform UK are to continue citing support for British sovereignty and independence. As the name suggests, Mr Trump’s isolationist policies and bullish negotiating tactics wrapped up under the banner of ‘America First’ do little to foster the national interests which Farage believes are of paramount importance. At present, he appears to be more interested in oversees friendships than domestic matters.
Words by Elliot Johnston-Coates
Cover Image Credit: Tia Dufour/ The White House/ PA
