A former head of the British Army has endorsed criticism of the Royal Navy levelled by US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, saying the assessment reflects genuine shortcomings in UK military capacity.
General Richard Barrons backed comments made by George Robertson, a former NATO secretary-general, describing British armed forces as "too small and undernourished for the world that we now live in," according to reporting by The Guardian.
Barrons' remarks add weight to an ongoing political debate in the United Kingdom over the pace and scale of defence investment, at a time when European nations are under increasing pressure to shoulder more of the burden for their own security.
Starmer faces questions over defence spending timeline
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has faced repeated questioning from lawmakers about when the government intends to publish its defence investment plan (DIP), a document seen as central to the UK's long-term military strategy.
When Starmer appeared before the Commons liaison committee before the Easter recess, and again when he addressed members of Parliament on the first day back, he was unable to provide a specific timeline. He said only that the plan would be published "as soon as possible," without offering a firm date.
The absence of a clear schedule has drawn criticism from opposition MPs and defence analysts who argue that uncertainty over spending commitments hampers military planning.
Hegseth's comments draw attention to alliance tensions
Hegseth had reportedly mocked the Royal Navy's capabilities, comments that drew a sharp response from some British politicians and defence officials. However, Barrons' decision to side with the criticism rather than dismiss it signals that concerns about UK military readiness extend well beyond American political circles.
The debate reflects broader tensions within NATO over burden-sharing, a issue that has gained urgency following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and shifting signals from Washington about the extent of the American security guarantee to Europe.
The UK government has previously committed to raising defence spending to 2.5 percent of gross domestic product, but critics argue the timeline for reaching that target is too slow and the plan lacks sufficient detail.
Robertson, who served as NATO secretary-general from 1999 to 2003, has been among the most vocal British voices urging faster action on military investment, arguing that the current security environment demands urgent and substantial increases in defence capability.
The Guardian reported that pressure is expected to continue mounting on Starmer's government to release the defence investment plan, with lawmakers across party lines seeking clarity on how and when the UK intends to modernise and expand its armed forces.
