Farage to Appoint First Defense Spokesperson, Criticizes 'Wokery' at War Museum

Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, is set to announce the party's first-ever defense spokesperson this week as he aims to boost his party's standing in the polls. The move comes as Farage also pledges to combat what he describes as 'wokery' at the Imperial War Museum (IWM).

The Reform UK leader intends to reveal the new spokesperson on Thursday. This development occurs amid ongoing discussions about the government's funding for the Armed Forces, with a senior Labour figure reportedly describing budget promises as 'lamentably delayed.'

Farage has expressed particular concern over the Imperial War Museum's decision to cease displaying Lord Ashcroft's collection of Victoria and George Crosses. He stated that under a Reform UK government, the leadership of the IWM and other publicly funded military heritage sites perceived as 'woke' would be replaced. The trustees of the IWM are appointed by the Prime Minister and relevant government departments.

Lord Ashcroft previously argued that the IWM, established to commemorate First World War sacrifices, was being influenced by a 'woke culture' with little regard for the Armed Forces. He had intended to bequeath his medal collection, valued at £70 million, to the museum but has since moved them to the National Army Museum after IWM trustees indicated in 2024 that they no longer wished to display the medals. The exhibition closed in 2025.

Recent incidents have fueled criticism. In September, a retired soldier recounted an interaction at the museum's gift shop where a staff member reportedly stated, 'We have nothing to do with the military – that’s not who we are.' The museum issued an apology for the visitor's experience, expressing regret if they felt unwelcome.

A spokesman for Reform UK commented on the closure of the Lord Ashcroft Gallery, calling it a sign of 'disdain for gallantry' and raising questions about the museum's attitude towards national history and veterans. The party indicated that in government, Reform would seek to amend legislation and Royal Charters to ensure respect for the heritage of the UK's Armed Forces.

In 2024, the IWM reportedly spent over £100,000 on diversity consultants. The museum also faced criticism in 2021 for a rap performance at a remembrance event that included assertions about Winston Churchill's role in the 1943 Bengal famine. The IWM's director general, Caro Howell, appointed in 2023, has stated her aim to develop the museum's reputation for reaching new audiences through 'bold, inclusive and global storytelling.'