Former Nato Chief Says UK Is Not Safe - but Why? | BBC Newscast

Why It Matters

The debate determines whether the UK can meet emerging security threats without sacrificing essential public services, influencing fiscal policy and the nation’s strategic posture.

Key Takeaways

• Lord Robertson warns UK defense is under‑prepared and under‑insured.
• UK defense spending sits at 2.4% of GDP, below NATO target.
• Government aims 2.5% by 2027, 3% by next parliament.
• Funding gap requires £15 bn, likely via taxes or welfare cuts.
• Delayed defence investment plan fuels political criticism of complacency.

Summary

The BBC Newscast focused on former NATO secretary‑general Lord George Robertson’s stark warning that the United Kingdom is under‑prepared, under‑insured and effectively under attack, accusing the current government of “corrosive complacency” over defence funding.

Robertson highlighted that the UK is spending roughly 2.4% of GDP on qualifying defence, short of the NATO‑recommended 2% and below the government’s own 2.5% target for 2027. To reach 2.5% the Treasury has already redirected about £6 bn from foreign aid, and a further jump to 3% would demand an additional £15 bn – a sum that would likely require higher taxes or cuts to welfare programmes.

The interview featured BBC Verify’s Ben Chu and IFS director Helen Miller, who underscored the fiscal trade‑offs. Miller noted that working‑age welfare spending now exceeds defence at just under 4% of GDP, and any substantial increase in defence outlays would force tough choices on taxes, benefits or health spending. Robertson’s criticism carries weight because he once led NATO during the post‑9/11 era, making his public rebuke politically potent.

The delayed defence investment plan, promised after last year’s strategic review, fuels a broader debate about Britain’s ability to modernise its armed forces while sustaining a growing welfare state. The outcome will shape budget priorities, affect public services, and signal how the UK positions itself in an increasingly volatile global security environment.

Original Description

A former Nato chief has said that the UK's security and safety is "in peril" and Sir Keir Starmer's government has shown "corrosive complacency" towards defence.

In a directly political intervention, Lord Robertson - who is now a key government adviser - says "We cannot defend Britain with an ever-expanding welfare budget."

It comes on the day the IMF has warned the energy shock from the Iran war will hit the UK the hardest of the world's advanced economies.

Adam and Chris are joined by Ben Chu from BBC Verify and Helen Miller from the Institute for Fiscal Studies.

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00:00 Introduction

05:05 Former Nato chief criticises UK security

09:12 The government's spending plans

1900: Is the MOD good at allocating money?

20:34: Is this a big deal for Starmer?

23:58 UK ranked badly for growth

30:08 What does this mean for the government?