The UK has been urged to be open to conscription as fears grow that conflicts could trigger a wider war. Article 5 of NATO stipulates that an armed attack against one member shall be considered an attack against them all, and there are concerns that an aggressive move by Russia or China could mean Britain is dragged into large-scale violence. There is growing speculation that Brits could be conscripted, even though the Government has ruled it out.
Experts Point to European Models
A House of Commons research briefing has highlighted Professor Hew Strachan's 2020 study — "The utility of military force and public understanding in today's Britain" — published by RAND, which discussed the possibility of bringing back a form of national service. Prof. Strachan argued this would contribute to national resilience and suggested public engagement in defence, like that evident in Finland or Estonia, creates a level of mass participation, which itself leads to resilience.
"National service is the most obvious tool to achieve this effect, and in Finland almost every member of society has an assigned role in case of hostile attack," he wrote. Prof. Strachan added that "Britain has established a near-universal and almost impermeable consensus against even discussing national service", but suggested the country could learn from European states that have national service.
Think Tank Proposal for 18-Year-Olds
The Parliamentary document also noted that the Centre for Social Justice think tank has suggested introducing an optional and selected form of national service for 18-year-olds to spend 12 months in the army at an apprenticeship rate of pay. This "Army Short Service Limited Commission", which the organisation said was modelled on the Norwegian National Service, would "provide an opportunity to gain skills, travel the country and grow a sense of active citizenship and belonging".
Government Position on Military Service
In September, Defence Minister Lord Coaker said: "This Government has no current plans for compulsory military service. Since 1963, it has been the policy of successive Governments that the best way of providing for the defence of our country is by maintaining professional Armed Forces which are manned by volunteers."
The Government is focusing instead on voluntary schemes intended to give younger people experience of military life without joining the regular Armed Forces. Lord Coaker added: "Through this combination of military experience, engagement, education, skills development and voluntary service opportunities, defence is already helping more young people understand the role of the Armed Forces, experience Service life, develop valuable skills, and explore opportunities to contribute to national security and public service."
History of Conscription in the UK
Conscription was introduced in the UK in 1916 during the First World War to boost soldier numbers after Lord Kitchener's recruitment campaign. Before the Second World War, in May 1939, Britain introduced limited conscription, requiring single men aged between 20 and 21 to complete six months of military training. Later, once war was declared in September, all men aged 18 to 41 were made liable for military service.
