Is the UK (and Keir Starmer) under attack?

Is the UK (and Keir Starmer) under attack?

From Inside Briefing with the Institute for Government by Institute for Government

April 16, 2026 · 41 min

About this episode

The episode discusses Britain's national security concerns and the government's approach to employment support.

"We are underprepared. We are underinsured. We are under attack. We are not safe." George Robertson, former defence secretary and co-author of the government's strategic defence review, has issued a stark warning about Britain's national security. So how serious is it - and what should Keir Starmer do? PLUS: From defence to employment. A new IfG paper argues the government should go further and faster on devolving employment support - we talk to its authors about a potentially better route back into work. Hannah White presents. With Jill Rutter, Ben Paxton and Martha Ford. Produced by Milo Hynes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

People in this episode

Host: Hannah White

Guests: George Robertson, Jill Rutter, Ben Paxton, Martha Ford

Topics covered

  • national security
  • employment support
  • defence

Keywords

  • Keir Starmer
  • strategic defence review
  • IfG paper

Mentioned in this episode

Places: UK, Britain

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