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

Ex-NATO Leader Alarms Over UK’s National Security Risks

Lord George Robertson, the former NATO Secretary-General who shaped the Strategic Defence Review (SDR), is set to deliver a speech warning that Britain’s security is under threat. He will accuse non-military Treasury officials of “vandalism” in undermining defense priorities and call attention to a growing “corrosive complacency” among political leaders.

The government had promised to release a 10-year defense funding plan to support the SDR’s vision, but the proposal has faced multiple delays. A spokesperson defended the review, stating that it is “backed by the largest sustained increase in defense spending since the Cold War,” with over £270 billion allocated across the current parliamentary term.

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

In a speech in Salisbury, Robertson emphasized that the UK is “underprepared, underinsured, and under attack,” asserting that national safety is now in jeopardy. He criticized leaders for “lip service” to security threats, even as they struggle to spark a national debate on defense.

“We are not safe . . . Britain’s national security and safety is in peril.”

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer previously claimed the defense investment plan was “finalised” and on his desk. However, the government’s target to spend 3% of GDP on defense by the end of the next parliament remains a key focus. This comes amid global pressures to bolster defense spending, driven by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the re-election of US President Donald Trump.

The Chief of the Defence Staff, Sir Richard Knighton, told the BBC that the current Middle East conflict marks “probably the most dangerous time of the last 30 years.” While some have questioned the UK’s response, including the deployment of a Royal Navy vessel to Cyprus to protect the RAF Akrotiri base from drone attacks, officials insist the SDR is meeting modern threats.