As fears of a third world war escalate following US and Israeli strikes on Iran, questions are being raised about the UK's preparedness for a major conflict. The British Armed Forces are at their smallest in two centuries, prompting renewed calls for conscription. However, polling suggests that only 11% of young Britons would be willing to fight, while 41% would refuse under any circumstances.
Historically, draft resistance was met with severe penalties, including the death penalty in some European countries during World War I. Dr Marco Giani of King's College London notes that while times have changed, resistance would still threaten national unity and equality. The government may face significant challenges in enforcing conscription if introduced.
The UK has only used full conscription twice: from 1916 to 1920 during World War I, and from 1939 to 1960 during and after World War II. The last conscripts left the Armed Forces in 1963. Currently, the British Army numbers around 70,000 highly trained professionals, but some argue this is insufficient for modern threats.
Nine NATO countries already enforce conscription, and Germany and France have introduced new voluntary service models. The UK's Strategic Defence Review advisor Fiona Hill has warned that World War III has effectively begun, though not in a form the public recognises. Armed Forces Minister Al Carns has noted similarities between today's geopolitical climate and the years leading up to World War II.
