There is growing concern that the UK could face a potential war with Russia, prompting discussions about the possibility of conscription—mandatory military service—for British citizens of fighting age. Mike Martin, a Liberal Democrat MP and Afghanistan veteran, has warned that if the UK were to enter a full-scale war with Russia, conscription would be inevitable.
Martin, who serves on the Defence Select Committee, emphasized the importance of being prepared to deter conflict, stating, “Being prepared generates deterrence, which decreases the likelihood [of war].”
Martin, who represents Tunbridge Wells, stressed that while the possibility of war exists, it is still more likely that the UK can avoid such a scenario. He highlighted the need to rapidly increase the size of the military to strengthen deterrence. The UK currently has around 138,000 military personnel, with 75,000 in the British Army. Defence Minister Alistair Carns recently stated that the army could be “expanded” within six to 12 months if a major conflict were to arise.
Dr. Azeem Ibrahim, a senior fellow at the US Army War College, echoed Martin’s concerns, suggesting that the UK should prepare for mass conscription. While he did not advocate for immediate conscription, Ibrahim stressed the need to establish the necessary infrastructure to quickly mobilize citizens if required. He argued that such preparations would ensure the country is ready to defend itself in the event of a large-scale conflict.
Former Conservative MP Tobias Ellwood, who previously chaired the Defence Select Committee, has called for the reintroduction of compulsory national service to bolster the UK’s military capabilities. Ellwood proposed adopting a model similar to Finland’s, where every male citizen aged 18-60 is liable for military service, and women can volunteer. Finnish citizens can choose between armed military service, unarmed military service, or non-military roles. After completing their service, they are placed in the reserves, allowing the country to rapidly expand its military forces if needed.
Ellwood argued that such a system would enhance the UK’s resilience and readiness, creating a “whole-society approach” to national defense. He pointed out that Finland, with a population of just five million, can quickly mobilize up to half a million people due to its national service model. Ellwood suggested that the UK could apply a similar approach, with citizens contributing to various defense-related roles, such as cyber capabilities, drone operations, or defense manufacturing.
The discussions come amid rising tensions between the UK and Russia, with experts warning that the UK must strengthen its military capabilities to deter potential conflicts. While the likelihood of a full-scale war remains uncertain, the calls for conscription and national service reflect growing concerns about the UK’s preparedness for future threats.
What do you think? Should the UK reintroduce compulsory national service or prepare for potential conscription in the event of war? Share your thoughts!
