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

Former Nato Chief Warns UK’s Security Risks Are Overlooked

A prominent government advisor is set to criticize the UK’s leadership for their “corrosive complacency” in defense matters, highlighting concerns over the nation’s security. Lord George Robertson, the former NATO secretary general and architect of the Strategic Defence Review (SDR), will deliver a speech in Salisbury, accusing “non-military experts in the Treasury” of undermining the country’s strategic priorities. He will describe their actions as “vandalism” in the context of delayed plans to secure long-term defense funding.

The government had pledged to unveil a decade-long defense funding plan to support the SDR’s goals, yet the initiative has faced multiple delays. Despite this, officials assert that the review remains “backed by the largest sustained increase in defense spending since the Cold War,” with over £270 billion allocated across the current parliamentary session. However, Robertson argues that this financial commitment is insufficient to counter growing threats.

“We cannot defend Britain with an ever-expanding welfare budget,” he will state. “We are underprepared. We are underinsured. We are under attack. We are not safe… Britain’s national security and safety is in peril.”

Adding to the critique, Robertson will emphasize a “corrosive complacency” in political leadership, claiming that risks and threats are dismissed despite promises to initiate a national dialogue on defense. The Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, had previously indicated the plan was “finalised” and on his desk, though no official timeline has been set.

In the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the re-election of U.S. President Donald Trump, the UK has been urged by NATO allies to enhance defense commitments. Meanwhile, the head of the British military recently dismissed claims that the nation was unprepared for the Middle East conflict, which erupted on February 28th through a coordinated U.S.-Israel strike against Iran.

Critics have raised questions about the UK’s response, especially regarding the deployment of a Royal Navy vessel to Cyprus to safeguard the RAF Akrotiri base, which came under drone threat. The Chief of the Defence Staff, Sir Richard Knighton, described the current period as “probably the most dangerous time of the last 30 years,” underscoring the urgency of addressing security challenges.

A government spokesperson reiterated: “We are delivering on the Strategic Defence Review to meet the threats we face,” while also noting the ambition to reach a 3% GDP defense spending target by the end of the next parliamentary term.