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

A senior government figure is set to criticize the UK’s political leaders for an attitude of “corrosive complacency” in defense matters, claiming the nation’s security is at risk. This intervention comes from Lord George Robertson, the former NATO secretary general who played a pivotal role in drafting the Strategic Defence Review (SDR). In a speech scheduled for Tuesday, he will accuse “non-military officials within the Treasury” of undermining the defense strategy through delays and missteps.

The government has pledged to release a 10-year defense funding plan to support the SDR’s goals but has yet to finalize it. A spokesperson for the administration emphasized that the SDR is backed by “the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War,” with over £270 billion allocated over the current parliamentary term. However, Lord Robertson will challenge this narrative, arguing that “we cannot defend Britain with an ever-expanding welfare budget,” during his address in Salisbury.

“We are underprepared. We are underinsured. We are under attack. We are not safe… Britain’s national security and safety is in peril.”

He further criticized the current leadership, stating that “lip service is paid to the risks, the threats, the bright red signals of danger.” Despite these concerns, the government has struggled to initiate a meaningful dialogue on defense priorities. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer previously stated that the investment plan was “on his desk and being finalised,” but Robertson questions whether this commitment translates to action.

Amid global tensions, the UK faces pressure to increase defense spending following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the re-election of U.S. President Donald Trump. NATO allies are being urged to bolster their military budgets, with the government aiming to allocate 3% of GDP to defense by the end of the next parliament. Yet, some remain skeptical, particularly after the Royal Navy deployed a vessel to Cyprus to safeguard RAF Akrotiri, which was targeted by a drone.

Chief of the Defence Staff Sir Richard Knighton recently told the BBC that the current period is “probably the most dangerous time of the last 30 years,” highlighting the urgency of the situation. As Robertson’s remarks underscore, the challenge lies not just in funding but in ensuring that strategic priorities align with the evolving threats to the country’s safety.