Gate News message, April 14 — Former NATO Secretary General Lord George Robertson criticized the UK government for being underprepared for war due to an “ever-expanding welfare budget” and “corrosive complacency,” in a speech delivered on April 14. Robertson, who led the UK’s Strategic Defence Review, accused ministers of being unwilling to make necessary defense investments.
The UK government has committed to spending 2.5% of GDP on defense by 2027, rising to 3% in the next parliament and 3.5% by 2035 under NATO targets. However, the 10-year defense investment plan, originally scheduled for autumn last year, has yet to be published.
Reports indicate a funding gap of approximately £28 billion in existing defense plans, with the Ministry of Defence, Treasury, and Downing Street deadlocked over the new 10-year plan. A government spokesman said the UK is delivering on the Strategic Defence Review with over £270 billion to be invested across this Parliament.