Former NATO Chief to Spearhead Comprehensive UK Defence Review Amid Calls for Increased Military Spending

Ex-NATO chief appointed to head British defense review

This development occurs as the recently appointed prime minister faces increasing demands to specify when defense expenditures will reach 2.5% of GDP.

Political correspondent @NifS

Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at 12

Today, Sir Keir Starmer will initiate a comprehensive overhaul of the UK's Armed Forces.

This follows the prime minister's commitment to strengthen and restore respect for our weakened military forces.

The examination will be overseigned by ex-NATO chief Lord Robertson, who previously conducted a strategic defense assessment during his tenure as the defense secretary under Tony Blair's administration.

The study will encompass various sectors, including hiring and education, as well as global collaborations and advancements.

The Labour peer will receive backing from Dr. Fiona Hill, who previously served as a European and Russian affairs adviser to President Donald Trump, and General Sir Richard Barrons, the ex-deputy chief of defence staff.

Amid increasing demands, the newly formed government is being urged to present a clear strategy for achieving its goal of allocating 2.5% of GDP to defense—a commitment made by Sir Keir, though he has yet to specify a schedule for this initiative.

Prior to the launch, the prime minister stated his commitment to a "responsible increase" in defense funding, emphasizing the enhancement of necessary capabilities to bolster the UK's long-term resilience.

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Referencing the ongoing war in Ukraine and turmoil in the Middle East, among other issues, he stated: "Our world has become more perilous and unstable."

"My administration will adopt a fresh, discerning strategy for our national security, preparing us to directly confront global challenges while ensuring the safety and security of the citizens of Britain."

"I vowed to the citizens of the UK to bring about the necessary transformations to advance our nation, and I committed to deeds over mere declarations. Therefore, one of my initial steps after assuming office has been to initiate our strategic defense review."

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Downing Street announced that the review process will begin right away, with the final report being completed swiftly. The aim is to release it in the early part of 2025, acknowledging the pressing nature of the threats the UK is currently facing.

The administration is open to receiving input through the end of September from various interested parties, such as former and current Armed Forces personnel, the defense sector, Members of Parliament, and key allies and partners, "particularly within NATO".

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Lord Robertson, who held the role of Secretary General of the defense alliance from 1999 to 2003 following his tenure as Labour's Defense Secretary under Tony Blair, expressed that it was "a privilege to head a review… aimed at molding our military for the upcoming century."

He emphasized: "As global dangers increase, we must adopt a fresh strategy to address these emerging threats."

"We also require a fresh approach to reviews that are not only swift but also incorporate perspectives and opinions from members across all political factions, the entire defense community, and a range of our partners and allies."

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