UK Government Rejects Claims of Defence “Peril” as Row Intensifies Over Military Spending Plans

The UK government has firmly rejected claims that Britain’s national security is “in peril,” pushing back against sharp criticism from former NATO secretary general Lord George Robertson over defence spending and military preparedness.

Downing Street said it “completely rejects” suggestions that the country is being left vulnerable, insisting that the armed forces remain among the most capable in the world and are fully equipped to respond to current threats. Officials pointed to ongoing investment plans and argued that defence capability is being strengthened, not weakened, under the current administration.

The government highlighted what it described as the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War, with around £270 billion allocated across the current Parliament. Defence spending currently stands at approximately 2.3% of GDP, or about £66 billion annually, according to official figures.

Ministers also stressed long-term commitments to further increases, including a target of reaching 3% of GDP in the next Parliament and 3.5% of GDP for core defence spending by 2035. They argue these plans demonstrate a clear trajectory toward stronger military capacity and sustained investment in national security.

The response comes after Lord Robertson warned in a forthcoming speech that Britain is “underprepared” and accused parts of the Treasury of blocking necessary defence investment. He also criticised delays to the government’s 10-year Defence Investment Plan, which is intended to set out how military funding will be allocated following the Strategic Defence Review published last year.

Downing Street, however, said the Defence Investment Plan will be published “as soon as possible,” adding that it must reflect a rapidly changing global security environment. Officials said the government is committed to “going further and faster” in strengthening defence capabilities while ensuring fiscal responsibility.

The dispute underscores a growing political divide over how the UK should balance military spending with other public priorities. While critics warn of strategic risks and delayed procurement decisions, the government insists it is taking a measured but substantial approach to long-term defence reform.

As pressure builds ahead of the publication of the long-delayed investment plan, the debate over Britain’s readiness and the scale of its defence commitments is expected to intensify further in the coming weeks.