Former Nato Chief Warns UK National Security 'In Peril' Due to Defence Complacency

Lord George Robertson, a prominent government adviser and former Nato Secretary General, is poised to issue a scathing critique of the UK's defence posture. In a forthcoming speech, Lord Robertson, who authored the government's Strategic Defence Review (SDR), will accuse political leaders of "corrosive complacency" and declare that the country's national security is "in peril."

Treasury Accused of 'Vandalism'

Lord Robertson is expected to directly challenge what he terms "non-military experts in the Treasury," accusing them of "vandalism" in their approach to defence funding. He will highlight the repeated delays in publishing a promised 10-year defence investment plan, intended to fund the SDR's vision.

In a pointed political intervention, the former Labour Defence Secretary will assert, "We cannot defend Britain with an ever-expanding welfare budget." He will add, "We are underprepared. We are underinsured. We are under attack. We are not safe... Britain's national security and safety is in peril."

Government's Defence Stance

A government spokesperson countered these claims, stating that the SDR is "backed by the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War, with a total of over £270 billion being invested across this Parliament." They reiterated the government's commitment to the SDR to address current threats and highlighted a target to spend 3% of GDP on defence by the end of the next parliament.

This intervention comes amid heightened international tensions, including Russia's invasion of Ukraine and global pressure on Nato members, including the UK, to boost defence spending.