Former Nato chief to say UK’s national security ‘in peril’
Former Nato Chief to Say UK’s National Security ‘in Peril’
A prominent government advisor is set to criticize UK leaders for showing “corrosive complacency” in defence matters, asserting that the country’s security is at risk. Lord George Robertson, the ex-Nato secretary general who spearheaded the Strategic Defence Review (SDR), will deliver a speech on Tuesday to highlight the negligence of “non-military Treasury officials” and label their actions as “vandalism.” Despite promises to unveil a 10-year defence investment plan to support the SDR’s goals, the initiative has faced repeated delays.
Government Defends Spending Increases
Officials insist the SDR is backed by the most significant rise in defence funding since the Cold War, with over £270 billion allocated across the current parliamentary session. A spokesperson emphasized, “We are delivering on the Strategic Defence Review to meet the threats we face.” However, Robertson will challenge this stance, stating:
“We cannot defend Britain with an ever-expanding welfare budget.”
Alarms Over Preparedness
Speaking in Salisbury, Robertson will warn that the UK is “underprepared, underinsured, and under attack,” declaring the nation “not safe” in the current climate. He will accuse political leaders of prioritizing rhetoric over action, claiming they fail to address “bright red signals of danger” and “cannot initiate a national conversation about defence.” This intervention comes amid global tensions, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the re-election of US President Donald Trump, which have pressured NATO members to raise their defence budgets.
Defence Chief’s Assessment
Chief of the Defence Staff Sir Richard Knighton recently told the BBC that the present period is “probably the most dangerous time of the last 30 years.” While some questioned the UK’s readiness for the Middle East conflict that began on 28 February with a joint US-Israeli strike on Iran, Knighton defended the nation’s response. He noted the deployment of a Royal Navy vessel to Cyprus to safeguard the RAF Akrotiri base, which was targeted by a drone attack.
Long-Term Defence Targets
A defence official revealed the government’s aim to allocate 3% of GDP to defence by the end of the next parliament. Despite this, Robertson’s critique underscores concerns that current efforts fall short of securing the UK’s safety. His remarks align with broader anxieties about the adequacy of military preparedness in the face of evolving global threats.
