Former NATO chief Lord George Robertson has warned that the UK’s national security is 'in peril' due to what he calls 'corrosive complacency' on defence.
Robertson criticised Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government for delays in publishing a 10-year defence investment plan and insufficient military funding.
The government insists it is increasing defence spending, but faces pressure amid rising global threats and a reported £28bn funding gap over four years.
Is the UK's defence plan delay a political stalemate or a symptom of deeper strategic funding paralysis amidst global threats?
How does the ongoing 'wrangling' over defence funding impact the UK's credibility with key international defence partners?
With a £28 billion defence funding gap, how will the UK attract crucial private investment to secure its national future?
Beyond financial pledges, what concrete steps will rebuild the UK's 'hollowed out' armed forces to meet NATO obligations?
How does the UK reconcile its 'age of Trump' ambition to 'get its hands dirty' with current defence readiness and capacity?
As the Middle East escalates, is the UK truly 'underprepared, underinsured, and under attack' or is this political hyperbole?
UK Defence at Risk: The £28 Billion Funding Gap Fueling "Corrosive Complacency" and Military Decline
Overview
In April 2026, Lord Robertson warned that UK defence leadership suffers from "corrosive complacency," accusing the Prime Minister and Treasury of causing a political deadlock that delays the Defence Investment Plan and creates a £28 billion funding gap. This shortfall has led to severe operational deficiencies, including critical ammunition shortages and limited naval deployment capabilities, leaving national security in peril. The delayed investment plan also paralyzes the defence industry, especially SMEs, risking loss of vital skills and innovation. These issues undermine the UK's ability to counter hybrid threats and damage its credibility within NATO, highlighting an urgent need for decisive political action to resolve funding and capability gaps.