The head of the British Army has warned that the UK may not be ready to defend itself should a war break out, amid growing geopolitical instability and threats from Russia.
There is currently no conscription or mandatory military service in the United Kingdom, as the British Armed Forces operate entirely as a professional, volunteer force. However, with increased geopolitical instability, violence continuing across the globe, and Russia's persistent threats to NATO territory, Britain has been warned it must be prepared for the worst-case scenario - the possibility of another World War.
Russia's threats and warnings
It was not long ago that Russia discovered British-manufactured long-range drones had been deployed in Ukrainian strikes within Russian territory, which sparked a series of threats.
"The United Kingdom is acting as an accomplice and co-perpetrator of the bloody crimes and terrorist attacks committed by Ukrainian neo-Nazis," warned the Russian Embassy in London in a statement on August 17.
"London's actions will inevitably carry consequences for which it will have to answer ... The deeper its involvement in the conflict and the greater its support of Kiev's terrorist machinery, the higher the price it will pay."
Former Defence Secretary's warning
More recently, Sir Grant Shapps, a former Defence Secretary, warned that Russia "doesn't need to invade Britain" to strike, adding that the nation's "electricity supplies, hospitals, banking systems, water networks and communications" should be considered alongside discussions about the strength of Britain's Armed Forces.
With fears of a crisis looming, it brings the question of whether or not the UK is prepared should war break out, and whether the nation should bring back conscription. A poll is being held to gauge public opinion on the matter.
Army chief calls for 'frank conversation'
The head of the army, General Sir Roly Walker, has warned that a "frank conversation" needs to be had between political leaders and ordinary citizens about getting ready.
He said: "Here's the fundamental question: we spend a great deal of time debating whether Britain has enough missiles, aircraft, warships and troops to defend itself. And rightly so, because there are serious concerns about our military readiness.
"Yet are we devoting anything like the same attention to defending our electricity supplies, hospitals, banking systems, water networks and communications?
"The next attack on Britain may not look like the start of a war. It may look like an ordinary Monday morning when everything suddenly stops working."
