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

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

A prominent government advisor has criticized UK leaders for displaying ‘corrosive complacency’ in defense matters, alleging that the country’s security is at risk. Lord George Robertson, who previously served as NATO’s secretary general and authored the Strategic Defence Review (SDR), will deliver a speech on Tuesday to highlight concerns over the government’s approach to military preparedness. He will specifically target ‘non-military experts in the Treasury’ for what he calls ‘vandalism’ in the defense sector.

The SDR, which outlines the government’s vision for a 10-year defense investment plan, has faced repeated delays in implementation. Despite this, officials insist that the strategy is supported by significant increases in defense spending, with over £270 billion allocated across the current parliamentary session. A spokesperson emphasized that the review ‘is backed by the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War.’

“We cannot defend Britain with an ever-expanding welfare budget,” Robertson warned in a direct political intervention. “We are underprepared. We are underinsured. We are under attack. We are not safe… Britain’s national security and safety is in peril.”

Robertson, a former Labour defence secretary, also criticized the political leadership for ‘lip service’ to existing threats, arguing that even initiating a national discussion on defense has been delayed. The Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, had previously stated that the investment plan was ‘on his desk’ and ‘being finalised.’

A defense official noted the government’s goal to achieve 3% of GDP in defense spending by the end of the next parliament. The spokesperson reiterated that the SDR ‘is delivering on the threats we face,’ though this stance faces scrutiny amid rising global tensions.

Recent geopolitical events, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the re-election of US President Donald Trump, have intensified pressure on NATO members to raise defense budgets. The UK, along with other allies, has been called upon to ensure adequate military readiness in light of these developments.

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.’ This assessment came after questions were raised about the UK’s response to the Middle East conflict, which began on 28 February with a joint US-Israeli strike on Iran. A notable example was the deployment of a Royal Navy vessel to Cyprus to safeguard the RAF Akrotiri base, which had been targeted by a drone attack.