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Lord Robertson Warns: UK Faces National Security Risks

4/14/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Lord Robertson, former Labour defence secretary, warns the UK risks national security from underinvestment.
He notes decline since the Cold War, with the army’s regulars at 73,790.
The government plans defence spending to reach 2.5% of GDP by 2027 and 3% in the next Parliament.
Spending on working-age benefits already exceeds defence and is projected to reach 4.3% of GDP by 2030, with analysts urging more investment in military technology.

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Story summary

Lord Robertson, former Labour defence secretary, warns the UK risks national security from underinvestment.
He notes decline since the Cold War, with the army’s regulars at 73,790.
The government plans defence spending to reach 2.5% of GDP by 2027 and 3% in the next Parliament.
Spending on working-age benefits already exceeds defence and is projected to reach 4.3% of GDP by 2030, with analysts urging more investment in military technology.