UK's Military Dependence on US 'No Longer Tenable'

Former NATO chief Lord George Robertson has declared that Britain’s high level of military dependence on the United States is “no longer tenable.” Speaking at a seminar at Chatham House, Robertson emphasized the need for the UK to become more autonomous in its defense capabilities. He highlighted growing divergences between Washington and Westminster over values and policies.

Robertson’s comments come amid rising tensions between the US and UK under President Trump's administration. According to The Guardian, Robertson pointed to several unilateral actions by Trump, including attacks on Iran, tariffs on traditional allies, and threats against Denmark over Greenland as evidence of this divergence.

Robertson also criticized what he described as a 'corrosive complacency' towards defense spending within the UK government. He argued that the country must rapidly pivot to becoming a more autonomous military actor and work closely with European allies against Russia, according to The Guardian. The former Labour minister called for lifting defence spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2035, in line with NATO targets.

In a report published by the Lords International Relations and Defence Committee, which Robertson chairs, it was noted that the UK-US relationship is 'under greater strain today than at any point since the second world war.' The committee urged the government to prioritise publishing its defence spending plan. According to The Daily Mail, Robertson suggested setting a clear path to spend 5% of GDP on defense by 2035.

Robertson’s intervention follows earlier criticism from former British Army head Richard Dannatt, who warned that insufficient defense spending could lead to costly conflicts. According to CNBC, Robertson's strategic defense review has not yet been funded, leading to concerns about the UK's preparedness for future security challenges.