Britain’s defence landscape is under severe scrutiny as former NATO Secretary General, Lord George Robertson, issues a stark warning about the nation’s security. He claims that the current government, led by Sir Keir Starmer, is exhibiting “corrosive complacency” regarding national defence, jeopardising the safety of the UK. In a speech scheduled for later today, Robertson will call out the government for failing to make necessary investments in defence, despite the growing threats on the global stage.
A Call to Arms
Speaking in Salisbury, Lord Robertson, who previously served as Labour’s Defence Secretary, will highlight the pressing need for increased funding and strategic readiness in the face of mounting global threats. He criticises “non-military experts in the Treasury” for what he describes as “vandalism” to the defence budget, risking the safety of the nation.
Despite the government’s claims of a robust Strategic Defence Review (SDR) released in June 2025, which promised a historic £270 billion investment over the Parliament, delays in funding have raised alarm. Robertson argues that without adequate financial backing, Britain’s military capabilities remain dangerously underprepared.
Strained Resources and Strategic Gaps
The SDR includes ambitious plans such as a NATO-first defence policy and a commitment to achieving “war-fighting readiness” within the military. However, internal disagreements over funding have stalled progress, leaving key initiatives in limbo. Defence officials have confirmed that spending last year constituted 2.3% of GDP, approximately £66 billion, but a target of 3% by the next parliamentary term and 3.5% by 2035 remains a distant goal.
Robertson’s comments come at a time when the UK is grappling with heightened tensions, particularly following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The call for increased defence investment has been echoed by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, who suggested reallocating funds from environmental projects to bolster military capabilities.
The Global Defence Landscape
General Sir Richard Barrons, another key figure in the SDR, concurs with Robertson’s assessment, emphasising the “enormous gap” between current military preparedness and the requirements to safeguard the UK. He warns that the traditional support from the United States may dwindle, necessitating a more self-reliant British military.
As NATO allies face pressure to ramp up defence spending, the UK stands at a crossroads. The commitment to increase military expenditure has been met with mixed responses, particularly in light of former US President Donald Trump’s insistence on higher spending thresholds, slated to reach 5% of member states’ GDP by 2035.
Examining the Current Crisis
The UK’s military leadership has faced scrutiny regarding its readiness for current conflicts, particularly in the Middle East. Chief of Defence Staff, Sir Richard Knighton, has defended the UK’s actions, asserting that the military is not ill-prepared, despite criticisms regarding the delayed deployment of forces amidst rising tensions.
In response to these ongoing issues, Sir Keir Starmer is set to chair the inaugural meeting of the Middle East Response Committee, aimed at addressing the diplomatic and economic ramifications of the recent conflicts, while firmly maintaining that the UK will not engage militarily unless there is a clear, lawful basis for action.
Why it Matters
The warnings from Lord Robertson and other military leaders underscore a critical moment for UK defence policy. With global threats escalating and funding for military preparedness in jeopardy, the nation’s ability to protect itself is increasingly at risk. As the government grapples with internal disagreements and external pressures, the need for a cohesive and adequately funded defence strategy has never been more urgent. The choices made today will have lasting implications for Britain’s security and its role on the world stage.
