Warning from Former NATO Secretary General
A prominent government adviser has sharply criticized the UK's leadership for what he describes as "corrosive complacency" regarding national defence, cautioning that the country's security is "in peril."
Lord George Robertson, the former NATO secretary general and author of the government's Strategic Defence Review (SDR), is set to deliver a speech on Tuesday in which he will condemn "non-military experts in the Treasury" for what he terms "vandalism."
The government has committed to releasing a 10-year defence investment plan intended to support the SDR's objectives, but this plan has faced multiple delays.
A government spokesperson responded by 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."
Political Intervention and Criticism
In a pointed political statement, Lord Robertson will assert:
"We cannot defend Britain with an ever-expanding welfare budget."
Speaking in Salisbury, the former Labour defence secretary will emphasize the nation's vulnerabilities:
"We are underprepared. We are underinsured. We are under attack. We are not safe . . . Britain's national security and safety is in peril."
He will further criticize the political leadership for its attitude towards defence:
"There is a corrosive complacency today in Britain's political leadership. 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."
Government Response and Defence Spending Targets
The Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, has previously indicated that the investment plan is currently on his desk and is being "finalised."
A defence official highlighted the government's objective to allocate 3% of GDP to defence spending by the conclusion of the next parliament.
A government spokesperson affirmed:
"We are delivering on the Strategic Defence Review to meet the threats we face."
Context of International Security Pressures
In the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the re-election of US President Donald Trump, the UK and other NATO member states have faced increased pressure to enhance their defence budgets.
Last month, the Chief of the Defence Staff, Sir Richard Knighton, addressed the BBC to reject claims that the UK was inadequately prepared for the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which began on 28 February with a joint US-Israeli attack on Iran.
Sir Richard described the current period as:
"probably the most dangerous time of the last 30 years"
Some observers have questioned the UK's response, particularly regarding the deployment of a Royal Navy ship to Cyprus to safeguard the UK military base RAF Akrotiri, which was targeted by a drone attack.
