The UK’s national security is hanging by a thread, according to former NATO Secretary General Lord George Robertson, who has launched a scathing attack on the government’s handling of defence. His remarks, set to be delivered in a speech later today, accuse Sir Keir Starmer’s administration of “corrosive complacency” towards the pressing security challenges facing the nation.
A Call to Action
In a stark warning, Lord Robertson, who previously served as Labour’s defence secretary and authored the government’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR), is expected to criticise “non-military experts” in the Treasury for what he describes as “vandalism” against Britain’s defence capabilities. Despite the SDR being unveiled in June 2025, a comprehensive investment plan to support it has faced repeated delays, leaving the military budget in limbo.
Robertson contends that Starmer is unwilling to commit the necessary funds to bolster the armed forces. “We cannot defend Britain with an ever-expanding welfare budget,” he will declare in Salisbury, emphasising that “we are underprepared. We are underinsured. We are under attack. We are not safe.”
Defence Spending Under Scrutiny
Currently, defence spending stands at 2.3% of the UK’s GDP, roughly £66 billion. The government has set a goal to elevate this to 3% by the next Parliament and aim for 3.5% on core defence by 2035. However, welfare expenditure is projected to reach 10.6% of GDP, estimated at £322.6 billion, by 2025-2026.
The SDR, which outlined a NATO-first strategy and a shift towards a more capable military, has reportedly been stalled due to internal disagreements about its funding. Prime Minister Starmer previously stated that the investment plan was under final review, yet its details remain shrouded in uncertainty.
Political Reactions
Lord Robertson’s comments have drawn attention from various political leaders. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch echoed the need for a serious approach to defence, suggesting that funds from green initiatives could be redirected to military needs. Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey highlighted a longstanding failure across all governments to prioritise defence spending adequately.
General Sir Richard Barrons, another key figure behind the SDR, supported Robertson’s viewpoint, asserting that there exists a significant gap between the UK’s current military readiness and the demands of the contemporary global landscape. He warned, “The US cavalry is not coming to bail us out now,” pointing to the shrinking capabilities of the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force.
The Bigger Picture
The urgency of Robertson’s message is underscored by escalating global tensions, particularly following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The UK, alongside other NATO allies, faces mounting pressure to enhance defence spending, a sentiment echoed by former US President Donald Trump, who previously called for member states to increase their military budgets significantly.
In the face of these challenges, Chief of the Defence Staff Sir Richard Knighton recently defended the UK’s preparedness for ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, which he described as “probably the most dangerous time of the last 30 years.” However, concerns have been raised about the lack of timely military deployments, prompting questions about the UK’s readiness for future engagements.
Why it Matters
The warnings from Lord Robertson and other military leaders signal a critical juncture for the UK’s defence strategy. As geopolitical threats escalate and the calls for increased military expenditure grow louder, the government faces mounting pressure to act decisively. A failure to adequately invest in national security not only endangers the UK’s global standing but also directly impacts the safety of its citizens. The time for complacency has passed; the nation must confront its vulnerabilities head-on.
