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

Former NATO Chief to Warn of UK’s National Security Crisis

Lord George Robertson, the former NATO secretary general and architect of the government’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR), is set to deliver a sharp critique of UK leadership in a Tuesday address. He will accuse political figures of “corrosive complacency” in addressing defence priorities, labeling the nation’s security as “in peril.”

Accusations of “Vandalism” in Defence Planning

In his speech, Robertson will target non-military experts within the Treasury, calling their actions “vandalism” that undermines long-term military preparedness. The government had committed to releasing a 10-year defence investment plan to support the SDR’s goals, yet the initiative has stalled repeatedly.

A spokesperson for the government emphasized that the SDR is backed by “the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War,” citing over £270 billion allocated across the current parliamentary term. However, Robertson will argue that this financial commitment is insufficient, stating:

“We cannot defend Britain with an ever-expanding welfare budget.”

UK’s Preparedness and Political Leadership

Speaking in Salisbury, Robertson will assert that the country is “underprepared, underinsured, and under attack,” warning that national safety is at risk. He criticized the current political leadership for paying “lip service” to emerging threats, claiming even a discussion on defence remains uninitiated.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer had previously stated the investment plan was “finalised” and on his desk, but its delay has raised concerns. The government’s target to spend 3% of GDP on defence by the end of the next parliament is also a key point of contention.

Global Pressures and Defence Priorities

Amid heightened global tensions—such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the re-election of US President Donald Trump—NATO members, including the UK, face pressure to increase military spending. This context has intensified debates over the nation’s readiness to address evolving security challenges.

Chief of the Defence Staff Sir Richard Knighton recently told the BBC that the current Middle East conflict is “probably the most dangerous time of the last 30 years.” Despite this, some questioned the UK’s response, particularly its deployment of a Royal Navy vessel to Cyprus to safeguard the RAF Akrotiri base, which was recently targeted by a drone attack.