Keir Starmer hits back as ex-Nato boss warns British security 'in peril'

Keir Starmer hits back as ex-Nato boss warns British security 'in peril'Lord Robertson, a former Labour defence secretary who co-authored last year's Strategic Defence Review, issued a stark warning about Britain's military securityCommentsNewsLizzy Buchan Political Editor and Dave Burke Political Correspondent 18:54, 15 Apr 2026Updated 18:54, 15 Apr 2026View 2 ImagesKeir Starmer has been accused of complacency over defence(Image: House of Commons/PA Wire)Keir Starmer has rejected a scathing public attack by a former Nato chief, who accused the Government of a “corrosive complacency” on defence.‌The Prime Minister is under pressure to publish a long-delayed defence investment plan amid questions about Britain’s military capabilities in a more turbulent world. In an explosive intervention, Lord Robertson, a former Labour defence secretary who co-authored last year's Strategic Defence Review, warned the UK’s security was “in peril” and accused the Treasury of “vandalism”.‌However Mr Starmer told MPs: “I respect Lord Robertson and I thank him again for carrying out the strategic (defence) review. My responsibility is to keep the British people safe, and that is a duty I take seriously. That is why I don’t agree with his comments.”‌The PM insisted defence spending was rising rapidly and said Labour had inherited "uncosted and undeliverable" plans from the Tories. He pointed to the decision last year to hike defence spending to 2.5% of GDP, funded by cuts to the foreign aid budget, and further commitments to raise core defence spending to 3.5% by 2035, in line with a new Nato target.READ MORE: Rachel Reeves blasts Trump Iran war 'mistake' - 'not convinced world a safer place'OPINIONMikey SmithDonald Trump's most unhinged 48 hours as president in 11 bizarre momentsDonald Trump