Former Nato chief to say UK’s national security ‘in peril’
Former Nato chief to say UK’s national security ‘in peril’
A former NATO secretary general is set to criticize the UK government’s approach to defence, calling it “corrosive complacency.” He will highlight how the nation’s security is at risk and accuse officials of failing to prioritize military readiness. The speech, delivered in Salisbury later this week, will focus on the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) and its delayed implementation.
Lord George Robertson, who played a central role in drafting the SDR, will directly address political leaders, alleging that non-military experts in the Treasury have undermined the plan. He will describe their actions as “vandalism,” arguing that the government’s commitment to national security is lacking. Despite assurances of a 10-year defence investment plan, the UK has struggled to move forward with the initiative.
“We cannot defend Britain with an ever-expanding welfare budget,” Robertson will assert. “The country remains underprepared, underinsured, and under attack. Britain’s safety is now in peril.”
A government spokesperson emphasized that the SDR is supported by a significant increase in defence funding, totaling over £270 billion across this parliamentary session. They also reiterated the target of allocating 3% of GDP to defence by the end of the next parliament, a goal the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, claimed was nearing completion.
Geopolitical tensions, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the re-election of US President Donald Trump, have intensified pressure on NATO members to enhance military spending. These developments have prompted the UK to reassess its defence strategy and commitment to collective security.
Meanwhile, the head of the British military, Sir Richard Knighton, recently told the BBC that the country is in “probably the most dangerous time of the last 30 years.” This statement follows questions about the UK’s response to the Middle East conflict, which began on 28 February with a joint US-Israeli strike on Iran. Knighton defended the nation’s preparedness, despite concerns over the deployment of a Royal Navy vessel to Cyprus to protect RAF Akrotiri from drone attacks.