Former Nato Chief Warns UK's National Security 'In Peril'

Lord George Robertson, the former Labour Defence Secretary and Nato Secretary General, has delivered a scathing assessment of the UK's defence posture, declaring the nation's security to be 'in peril'. In a recent speech, Lord Robertson accused the government of 'corrosive complacency' towards defence matters and specifically criticised 'non-military experts in the Treasury' for what he termed 'vandalism' in defence budgeting.

The criticism centres on the protracted delay in publishing the 10-year investment plan designed to fund the government's Strategic Defence Review (SDR), which was delivered last June. Lord Robertson suggested that the Prime Minister is 'not willing to make the necessary investment', a claim government defence minister Luke Pollard denied, stating that ministers are 'working flat out' to publish the plan and are committed to equipping the armed forces.

Under-prepared and Under-insured

Speaking in Salisbury, Lord Robertson painted a grim picture: 'We are under-prepared. We are under-insured. We are under attack. We are not safe... Britain's national security and safety is in peril.' He highlighted a worrying disconnect between the acknowledgement of global threats and concrete action, stating, 'Lip service is paid to the risks, the threats, the bright red signals of danger - but even a promised national conversation about defence can't be started.'

While defence spending last year stood at 2.3% of GDP, with a target to reach 3% by the end of the next Parliament, Lord Robertson drew a stark contrast with welfare spending, forecast at 10.6% of GDP. His implied suggestion that defence funding could be augmented by re-evaluating other budgets aligns with some political sentiment, though similar efforts to cut welfare have faced significant opposition.

Downing Street has rejected Lord Robertson's criticisms, asserting that the armed forces are actively working worldwide to ensure national safety. However, cross-party agreement on the seriousness of the situation is emerging, with the Chair of the House of Commons Defence Committee, Tan Dhesi, describing Lord Robertson's statement as 'sobering' and lamenting the 'enormous gap' between current capabilities and necessary defence. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch also echoed the sentiment, stressing the need to 'get serious' on defence.