UK military advisers report daily Russian attacks and spending delays

Two authors of the UK strategic defence review told a parliamentary committee that the country is under daily attack from Russia and that delays in publishing the defence investment plan have created serious gaps in spending. Lord Robertson said Russia views the UK as its principal adversary and warned of complacency across the country.

He stated that officials had avoided public discussion of threats to prevent alarm, but added that the public needs to be informed because attacks are already occurring and could increase.

The defence investment plan was published last week after a one-year delay and left a multi-billion-pound shortfall that the next government will need to address. Lord Robertson said allies including the United States are dismayed by the delays. Sir Richard Barrons told the same committee that the year-long delay meant a year of preparation was lost ahead of a possible Russian attack on Nato by 2030, describing the consequence as profoundly dangerous.

Lord Robertson predicted relations may be frosty when UK officials meet President Trump at the Nato summit in Ankara that begins on Tuesday. He said he had requested a meeting with Nigel Farage in December to discuss defence issues and is still awaiting a response.

Kemi Badenoch said the government should focus on securing defence funding rather than responding to public criticism from President Trump, noting that previous U.S. presidents have also raised concerns about Nato spending levels.