Former Nato chief to say UK’s national security ‘in peril’

In a directly political intervention, Lord Robertson will warn: “We cannot defend Britain with an ever-expanding welfare budget.”

In a speech in Salisbury, the former Labour defence secretary will say: “We are underprepared. We are underinsured. We are under attack. We are not safe . . . Britain’s national security and safety is in peril.”

He will add: “There is a corrosive complacency today in Britain’s political leadership. Lip service is paid to the risks, the threats, the bright red signals of danger – but even a promised national conversation about defence can’t be started.”

The Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, previously said the investment plan was on his desk and was being “finalised”.

A defence official highlighted the government’s target to spend 3% of GDP on defence by the end of the next parliament.

A government spokesperson said: “We are delivering on the Strategic Defence Review to meet the threats we face.”