Lord Robertson: Can Britain be Defended?
In an era of growing global instability, shifting alliances, and rapidly evolving military technologies, questions about Britain’s security have never been more urgent. In this timely talk, Lord Robertson draws on a lifetime at the heart of defence and international security to examine the challenges facing the UK today.
Reflecting on his leadership of the 2025 Strategic Defence Review, Lord Robertson will explore what national defence means in the twenty-first century. He will consider conventional military capability, NATO’s future role, the evolving threats posed by Russia and China, and the implications of the war in Ukraine. He will also examine the importance of European solidarity at a time when long-standing assumptions about transatlantic security are under strain.
With unrivalled experience in both British government and international defence, he offers a clear-eyed assessment of the risks ahead and the choices Britain and its European partners must confront.
Lord Robertson of Port Ellen is one of Britain’s most distinguished figures in defence and international security. He served as UK Secretary of State for Defence from 1997 to 1999, before becoming the 10th Secretary General of NATO, a role he held from 1999 to 2004 during a period of profound change for the alliance.
Over a long public career, Lord Robertson has played a central role in shaping defence policy at both national and international level. In 2025, he led the Strategic Defence Review, tasked with assessing Britain’s defence posture and preparedness in a changing global landscape. He remains a respected voice on security, defence, and foreign policy, and is widely recognised for his ability to explain complex strategic issues with clarity and authority.
Date: Tuesday 14 April
Time: Doors 6.30pm, Talk from 7.00pm
Where: The Guildhall, Guildhall Square, Salisbury, SP1 1JH
Tickets: £28 (to include a glass of wine or soft drink)
All tickets are non refundable but you are very welcome to pass them on to friends or family if you are unable to attend.
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In an era of growing global instability, shifting alliances, and rapidly evolving military technologies, questions about Britain’s security have never been more urgent. In this timely talk, Lord Robertson draws on a lifetime at the heart of defence and international security to examine the challenges facing the UK today.
Reflecting on his leadership of the 2025 Strategic Defence Review, Lord Robertson will explore what national defence means in the twenty-first century. He will consider conventional military capability, NATO’s future role, the evolving threats posed by Russia and China, and the implications of the war in Ukraine. He will also examine the importance of European solidarity at a time when long-standing assumptions about transatlantic security are under strain.
With unrivalled experience in both British government and international defence, he offers a clear-eyed assessment of the risks ahead and the choices Britain and its European partners must confront.
Lord Robertson of Port Ellen is one of Britain’s most distinguished figures in defence and international security. He served as UK Secretary of State for Defence from 1997 to 1999, before becoming the 10th Secretary General of NATO, a role he held from 1999 to 2004 during a period of profound change for the alliance.
Over a long public career, Lord Robertson has played a central role in shaping defence policy at both national and international level. In 2025, he led the Strategic Defence Review, tasked with assessing Britain’s defence posture and preparedness in a changing global landscape. He remains a respected voice on security, defence, and foreign policy, and is widely recognised for his ability to explain complex strategic issues with clarity and authority.
Date: Tuesday 14 April
Time: Doors 6.30pm, Talk from 7.00pm
Where: The Guildhall, Guildhall Square, Salisbury, SP1 1JH
Tickets: £28 (to include a glass of wine or soft drink)
All tickets are non refundable but you are very welcome to pass them on to friends or family if you are unable to attend.
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