A Daily Express poll has revealed that 34% of Britons believe nobody should be forced to serve if World War 3 breaks out, the largest share of the 2,557 votes cast. The exclusive survey also found that 27% of voters prioritised 18- to 25-year-olds for the front line, while 25% favoured those with previous military experience.
Poll Findings on Call-Up Priorities
The margin between youth and military experience was narrow, with 27% supporting young adults being called up first. Only 14% of voters believed volunteers of any age should be prioritised. The results reflect growing public debate over conscription amid heightened fears of a large-scale war.
These concerns stem from increasing threats from Russia and China, particularly given NATO's Article 5 mandate, which states that an attack on one member is an attack on all.
Military Expert Views on Conscription
A retired senior British Army officer, Lord Dannatt, told the Express that trained groups would likely be called to the front line first, rather than a broad conscription of young people. He said: "I would expect to see the Army Reserve mobilised first, then Regular Reservists recalled to active service and then His Majesty's Government would need to consider conscription, starting with 18-24-year-olds."
Anthony Glees, emeritus professor at the University of Buckingham, suggested full conscription would likely follow the model used during WW2. "This would mean that all males from 18-41 would have to do military or national service," he said.
Historical Context and Government Position
Prior to the declaration of war in May 1939, all males aged 20-22 were required to take part in service. Professor Glees believes the Government should introduce the idea of conscripted national service, adding: "We need a nation that is fighting fit and ready to fight but that doesn't necessarily mean 'with guns and bombs and bullets', it could mean using laptops and smartphones to push Russia back into its box."
Rishi Sunak previously tried and failed to introduce national service, which would have required 18-year-olds to complete a community programme over 12 months or enrol in a year-long military training scheme. The Government has currently ruled out conscription or mandatory military service.
