Former Nato chief to say UK’s national security ‘in peril’

Former Nato chief to say UK’s national security ‘in peril’

Lord George Robertson, a former NATO secretary general and author of the UK’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR), is set to challenge current leaders for their “corrosive complacency” in defense matters. In a speech to be delivered later this week, he will argue that the nation’s security is under threat, criticizing officials in the Treasury for undermining military preparedness.

The government has pledged to unveil a 10-year defense funding strategy to support the SDR’s goals but has faced repeated setbacks in its timeline. A spokesperson emphasized that the plan is “supported by the largest sustained increase in defense spending since the Cold War,” citing over £270 billion allocated over the current parliamentary session.

“We cannot defend Britain with an ever-expanding welfare budget,” Robertson will warn in his address, highlighting the mismatch between rising social spending and the urgency of national security threats.

In Salisbury, the former Labour defence secretary will stress that Britain is “underprepared” and “underinsured” in its readiness for conflicts. He will claim the country is “under attack” and “not safe,” stating that its national security “is in peril.” Robertson will accuse political leaders of giving “lip service” to risks, despite failing to initiate a meaningful discussion on defense priorities.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer previously stated the defense investment plan was “on his desk” and “being finalised,” but delays have sparked concerns. Meanwhile, a defense official noted the government’s target to achieve 3% of GDP in defense spending by the end of the next parliament.

Recent global tensions, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the re-election of U.S. President Donald Trump, have intensified pressure on NATO members to bolster their military budgets. The head of the British military recently dismissed claims that the UK was unprepared for the Middle East conflict, which began on 28 February with a joint US-Israeli strike on Iran.

Chief of the Defence Staff Sir Richard Knighton told the BBC last month that the current era is “probably the most dangerous time of the last 30 years.” This comes amid scrutiny of the UK’s response to the situation, particularly after a Royal Navy vessel was sent to Cyprus to safeguard the RAF Akrotiri base following drone attacks.