Former Nato chief to say UK’s national security ‘in peril’
Former NATO Chief to Say UK’s National Security ‘in Peril’
Key Adviser Criticizes Leadership’s Defense Approach
Lord George Robertson, a former NATO secretary general, will deliver a pointed critique of the UK government’s handling of defense in a speech later this week. The former Labour defence secretary, who authored the Strategic Defence Review (SDR), accuses political leaders of “corrosive complacency” and highlights the growing threat to national security. He will argue that the country is inadequately prepared, underinsured, and facing mounting dangers that require urgent attention.
“We cannot defend Britain with an ever-expanding welfare budget.”
Robertson will specifically target non-military experts in the Treasury, calling their actions “vandalism.” Despite the government’s commitment to a 10-year defense investment plan to support the SDR’s goals, the initiative has faced repeated delays. A spokesperson for the government insists the SDR is “backed by the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War,” with over £270 billion allocated across the current parliamentary term.
Global Pressures and Domestic Preparedness
The UK, along with other NATO members, faces heightened demands to raise defense spending following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the re-election of US President Donald Trump. Robertson’s intervention underscores concerns about the political leadership’s ability to address these challenges effectively. He warns that even a promised discussion on defense readiness has yet to materialize, leaving risks unaddressed.
Meanwhile, the head of the British military, Sir Richard Knighton, recently dismissed claims the UK was unprepared for the Middle East conflict that began on 28 February. The conflict, sparked by a joint US-Israeli attack on Iran, has seen the deployment of a Royal Navy vessel to Cyprus to safeguard the RAF Akrotiri base from drone threats. Knighton described the period as “probably the most dangerous time of the last 30 years,” emphasizing the need for robust military preparedness.
A government spokesperson reiterated confidence in the SDR, stating: “We are delivering on the Strategic Defence Review to meet the threats we face.” However, Robertson’s remarks highlight a growing divide between the vision of increased defense spending and the current pace of implementation. The 3% GDP defense target, set for the end of the next parliament, remains a central focus of the debate.