Key facts
- Former NATO chief George Robertson criticized the UK's defense spending plans.
- Robertson warned of a 'frosty' reception for the UK at the upcoming NATO summit.
- He stated the UK is 'running out of years' to prepare for anticipated threats.
- The delay in publishing the Defense Investment Plan has reportedly angered allies.
- Robertson suggested Prime Minister Keir Starmer's discussions with allies, including President Donald Trump, could be strained.
Former NATO chief George Robertson has criticized the UK government's approach to defense spending, warning of a potentially 'frosty' reception from allies at an upcoming NATO summit. Robertson, who helped draft Britain's Strategic Defence Review, stated that the government is not on track to meet the alliance's target of spending 3.5% of GDP on core defense.
Robertson expressed concern that the prolonged delay in publishing the Defense Investment Plan has not only deterred investment but also alienated NATO allies due to its perceived inability to commit to the 3.5% spending goal. He told a parliamentary committee that the challenges facing the alliance are now greater and more immediate than anticipated when the defense review was written.
The criticism comes as Prime Minister Keir Starmer prepares for the NATO summit, where he will meet with U.S. President Donald Trump and other allied leaders. Robertson suggested that Starmer's discussions with Trump and other NATO allies could be strained, particularly in light of the UK's current defense spending trajectory.