George Robertson warns UK defence spending shortfall could lead to frosty NATO summit reception

Former NATO secretary‑general George Robertson criticized the British government for failing to outline a clear path to the NATO‑mandated target of spending 3.5% of GDP on core defence and an additional 1.5% on broader security by 2035. He said Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s plan, which adds £15 billion to modernise the armed forces, falls short and that the months‑long delay in publishing a Defence Investment Plan has deterred investment and angered allies. Robertson warned that the United Kingdom could receive a “frosty” reception at the NATO summit in Ankara, where the alliance will discuss collective defence and the new spending targets. The remarks come as Starmer prepares for his final foreign trip before an anticipated handover of power to Andy Burnham in late July. Robertson told a parliamentary committee that “time is running out” for the UK to meet the growing security challenges facing the alliance.