Can We Afford To Keep The UK Safe?

April 14, 2026 · 31 minutes · Available for over a year

Concerns about the UK’s national security have intensified following a recent statement from a former NATO leader, who warned that the country’s safety is now at significant risk. Lord Robertson, currently a key advisor to the government, criticized the current administration for its apparent lack of urgency in addressing defense priorities. He emphasized that the expanding welfare budget alone cannot sustain the necessary measures to protect Britain from emerging threats.

We cannot defend Britain with an ever-expanding welfare budget.

The warning coincides with an IMF forecast that highlights the energy crisis triggered by the Iran war, which is expected to impact the UK more severely than any other advanced economy. This development comes as the Newscast team invited contributions from Ben Chu of BBC Verify and Helen Miller of the Institute for Fiscal Studies to explore the implications for public finances and security strategy.

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Presented by Adam Fleming

Produced by Jack Maclaren, with contributions from Shiler Mahmoudi and Anna Harris. Social media coordination by Gabriel Purcell-Davis and technical production handled by Jonathan Greer. Chris Gray serves as the assistant editor, while Sam Bonham oversees the senior news editing process.