Former nato chief criticizes uk government over defence spending

Former NATO Secretary General Lord George Robertson, who co-authored the government’s Strategic Defence Review, is set to deliver a speech in Salisbury warning that Britain’s national security is in peril. Robertson alleges a gap between Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s rhetoric and his willingness to invest in military capabilities. He specifically criticized Chancellor Rachel Reeves for failing to mention defence in recent budget discussions. Robertson also accused Treasury officials of delaying a 10-year investment plan meant to modernize armed forces through 62 specific recommendations. The UK government rejected these claims, citing the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War. Officials stated that over £270 billion is allocated for the current Parliament. The government reiterated its commitment to increasing defence spending to 3% of GDP by the end of the next Parliament and 3.5% by 2035. Starmer’s administration maintains that the current fiscal situation is a result of 14 years of Conservative Party rule.