Lord Robertson, the former NATO Secretary General who is leading the UK’s defence review, has criticised Sir Keir Starmer’s military spending plans, describing them as “too little, too late” in the face of escalating global threats. In a strongly worded intervention, Robertson warned that the Labour leader’s commitment to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2030 fails to address the urgent needs of the armed forces and leaves Britain vulnerable.
Robertson’s Warning on Defence Spending
Speaking to the BBC, Lord Robertson said: “The world is more dangerous than it has been for decades, and our armed forces are hollowed out. A promise to reach 2.5% in four years is not enough. We need to get there faster and then go beyond.” He added that the current plan lacks the necessary urgency to counter threats from Russia, China, and other adversaries.
The defence review, commissioned by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, is due to report later this year. Robertson’s comments are a significant blow to Starmer, who has sought to position Labour as a party of national security. The shadow defence secretary, John Healey, has defended the plan, saying it is “fully costed and credible”.
Details of the Labour Plan
Labour has pledged to increase defence spending from the current 2.1% of GDP to 2.5% by 2030, a move that would require an additional £8bn per year. However, critics argue that this is insufficient given the scale of the challenges. Robertson noted that the UK’s military has shrunk by a third since 2010, and that equipment shortages and recruitment crises are undermining readiness.
“We cannot keep kicking the can down the road,” Robertson said. “The threat is here and now. We need to invest in our capabilities, from cyber to conventional forces, and that means spending more, sooner.”
Political Reactions
The Conservative government has seized on Robertson’s remarks, with Defence Secretary Ben Wallace tweeting: “Even the man Labour appointed to lead their defence review says their plans are inadequate. Starmer cannot be trusted on national security.” Labour sources, however, pointed out that Robertson was appointed by the government, not Labour, and that his comments were directed at the current government’s record as much as Labour’s plans.
The row comes amid growing pressure on both main parties to increase defence spending. NATO allies have been urged to meet the 2% target, which the UK currently exceeds, but many argue that 2.5% should become the new baseline. The Liberal Democrats have called for an immediate increase to 2.5%, while the SNP has proposed a smaller rise.
Impact on the Defence Review
Robertson’s intervention is likely to shape the final recommendations of the defence review, which is expected to call for significant increases in spending. The review is examining everything from nuclear deterrence to cyber warfare, and its conclusions will be closely watched by allies and adversaries alike. A senior military source told the Guardian: “Lord Robertson’s comments reflect the view of many in the armed forces. We need a serious commitment, not just a political slogan.”
The UK’s defence budget currently stands at around £48bn, but inflation and rising equipment costs have eroded its purchasing power. The National Audit Office has warned that the Ministry of Defence faces a £17bn unfunded liability over the next decade. Robertson said that without immediate action, the UK risks losing its status as a leading military power.
Conclusion
As the defence review enters its final stages, the debate over spending is likely to intensify. Lord Robertson’s criticism of Starmer’s plan has put Labour on the defensive, but it has also highlighted the broader consensus that more needs to be done. The question now is whether either party has the political will to deliver the necessary investment.
