Labour is gearing up to increase its criticism of Nigel Farage following the Nathan Gill scandal. Former leader of Reform in Wales until 2021, Gill confessed to bribery charges related to statements supporting Russia. Farage’s initial response to Gill’s conviction targeted Ukraine, labeling it as corrupt while refraining from condemning Russia.

In a move to discredit Farage, Labour created a satirical depiction of him and Putin as Russian dolls, insinuating that Reform’s energy strategy would tether the UK to the Kremlin. The artwork, part of a series of visual assaults on the Reform UK leader, poses the question, “What secrets lie within Reform’s energy plan?”

Labour plans to strengthen the association between Farage and Putin, citing internal polls showing concerns among voters about Farage’s perceived alignment with Putin being a national security risk. The party anticipates that public opinion will further sway against Farage as the digital campaign unfolds.

Accusations against Farage are expected to include echoing Kremlin narratives, blaming NATO for the Russian invasion, and suggesting that Western actions provoked the conflict. Labour’s Energy and Net-zero Secretary announced a surge in green energy job opportunities by 2030, contrasting Farage’s resistance to net zero policies as endangering employment prospects.

Labour argues that Reform’s stance on abandoning net zero initiatives in favor of fossil fuels would benefit Russia, given its vast oil and gas reserves. The party asserts that Farage’s admiration for Putin and the scandal involving Gill’s acceptance of Russian bribes demonstrate Reform UK’s disregard for British values and interests.

Labour officials emphasize the potential loss of over a million clean energy jobs and the risk of increased energy costs if Reform’s policies are implemented. The party vows to educate the public on the perceived dangers of a government led by Farage.

Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy recently lambasted Reform UK, alleging that Putin supports Farage and his right-wing allies to sow division in Europe. Keir Starmer and Defense Secretary John Healey have also criticized Farage for his pro-Putin sentiments and questioned his trustworthiness regarding national security.

Farage denied prior knowledge of Gill’s pro-Russia remarks, stating he was unaware of the situation and had advised against Gill’s trip to Ukraine. Labour’s campaign against Farage’s alleged ties to Putin and his party’s policies is expected to intensify in the coming weeks.