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, the ex-Nato secretary general and architect of the UK’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR), is set to criticize current leaders for their approach to national defence. In a forthcoming speech, he will argue that Britain’s security is at risk due to a lack of urgency in addressing military challenges. The government has committed to releasing a 10-year defence funding plan to support the SDR’s goals, though the timeline has faced repeated setbacks.

A government representative emphasized that the SDR is backed by the highest defence spending increase since the Cold War, with over £270 billion allocated during this parliamentary term. However, Robertson will challenge this stance, stating that the focus on welfare budgets has undermined preparedness. In Salisbury, he will deliver a pointed message: “We cannot defend Britain with an ever-expanding welfare budget.”

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

Robertson’s critique highlights a broader issue of political indifference, as he claims leaders have dismissed clear warnings about emerging threats. He criticized “non-military experts in the Treasury” for their “vandalism,” suggesting their actions have weakened the nation’s defences. The Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, had previously indicated the investment plan was nearing completion, but delays persist.

Defence officials note the government aims to meet a 3% GDP spending target by the end of the next parliament. Despite this, Robertson will argue that the current strategy fails to address the escalating dangers faced by the UK. This comes amid global pressures on NATO nations, particularly following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Donald Trump’s re-election, which have intensified demands for stronger military commitments.

Chief of the Defence Staff Sir Richard Knighton recently dismissed claims of unpreparedness for the Middle East conflict, which began on 28 February with a US-Israeli strike on Iran. He called the period “probably the most dangerous time of the last 30 years.” Meanwhile, questions have arisen about the UK’s response, especially regarding the deployment of a Royal Navy vessel to Cyprus to protect the RAF Akrotiri base after it was targeted by a drone.