A government dossier warning Britons to 'actively prepare' for war has reignited debate over national service, with an expert arguing that conscription is 'absolutely vital' to counter modern threats. The newly published National Security Strategy outlines dangers from Russia and Iran, including cyber attacks and landgrabbing, but omits any mention of conscription, according to Professor Anthony Glees of the University of Buckingham.
Professor Glees criticised the omission, calling it 'totally reckless' given the views of General Sir Richard Shirreff, a former NATO deputy supreme commander, who recently urged the conscription of 30,000 young Britons annually to boost the army to 100,000. Glees argued that a 'well-trained, resourceful UK land army of young and spirited Brits will deter Putin where nukes fear to tread.'
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged to spend five per cent of GDP on national security within a decade, aiming to integrate civilian and military priorities 'in a way not seen since 1945'. However, the strategy does not propose reintroducing conscription, which has been ruled out by successive governments on the grounds that volunteer forces are more effective.
Professor Glees outlined a potential modern conscription model, suggesting not all participants would undergo weapons training. 'Cyber skills, for example, could be a focus,' he said, emphasising the need to adapt to contemporary threats. The expert described the current security landscape as one of 'radical uncertainty', echoing the strategy's language.
While the dossier references the Blitz spirit of World War II, it stops short of calling for a return to mandatory service. Nonetheless, the debate highlights growing public concern as geopolitical tensions rise, with many questioning what national service might entail in the 21st century.
