Amid escalating global tensions, a historian has suggested that the UK's conscription in a potential World War Three scenario would likely target unemployed graduates first, while workers in two key sectors would be exempt.
Conscription scenarios and exemptions
Author and historian David Swift proposed that the policy would probably exclude people employed in defence industries and industrial capacity. Speaking to the Express, he said: "Today, since there is such an urgent need to rebuild Britain's defence industries and industrial capacity, I would expect that people in these important occupations would be exempt. Or even that people could be 'conscripted' into working in these industries."
He also hinted at which group might be first in line for conscription, adding: "Military conscription would target unemployed graduates - this would be very popular with lots of people."
Historical context and current stance
Conscription is when a government enforces compulsory recruitment of individuals into military service. During the past 126 years, there have been just two occasions of conscription in the UK. The first occurred between 1916 and 1920 and the second took place between 1939 and 1960.
The use of conscription during WW2 could provide some insight into what it might look like today. In the late 1930s and 1940s, professions such as bakers, farmers, doctors, nurses and engineers were exempt from conscription.
Political and military responses
Concerns about a worldwide conflict have skyrocketed as Russia has intensified its warnings to the UK after Britain provided Volodymyr Zelenskyy's forces with the blueprints to construct their own Storm Shadow missiles. One of Putin's most trusted advisers cautioned he could not "100% exclude" the possibility of "semi-military" action against Britain.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has acknowledged the nation faces an "inevitable" Russian attack while a UK security source admitted Russia is "preparing for something". A retired Army major cautioned the military is in its most dire condition for more than 70 years.
At present, the likelihood of conscription seems slim. In 2024, former head of the British Army General Sir Patrick Sanders suggested the UK should prepare for "national mobilisation" and a "citizen army" in response to the Russian threat. However, a spokesperson for then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak disagreed, stating they had "no intention" of introducing conscription. Cabinet Minister Pat McFadden echoed this stance in March 2025. Instead, successive UK governments have maintained a highly trained, professional armed force comprised of volunteers is the most effective way to defend the nation.
