Lord George Robertson, lead author of the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) and former NATO chief, has accused Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves of failing to address urgent military threats. Robertson warns that Britain is “underinsured” and “not safe,” describing the armed forces as “hollowed-out” and in peril.
Robertson criticizes Reeves for prioritizing “vast welfare spending” over defense budget, stating Britain cannot be defended with an ever-expanding welfare budget. The Labour grandee believes Donald Trump’s war in Iran should serve as a “rude wake-up call.”
Sir Keir has not published a major 10-year plan for investment in the Royal Navy, army, and Royal Air Force. This delay implies defense companies are concerned about job security and Britain’s ability to return to war footing, something the prime minister has said is compulsory.
Ms Reeves will be called out for her “gross negligence,” which should be the top priority of any government. Robertson says she used “a more 40 words on defence in over an hour” during her Budget speech but none last month at the Spring Statement.
Sir Keir promises to increase defense spending to 3% of GDP, up from just over 2%, but not until the next parliament. A government spokesperson stated: “We are delivering on the Strategic Defence Review to meet the threats we face.” The plan is backed by the largest sustained increase in defense spending since the Cold War, with over £270bn invested across this parliament.