Lord George Robertson, a key government advisor and former NATO secretary general, has argued that mandatory civil defence roles in Britain should be on the agenda. Speaking before the National Security Strategy Joint Committee on Monday, Lord Robertson said there is a case for the UK to adopt a model similar to Sweden's, where every resident is legally required to contribute to national defence during times of high alert or war.
Swedish total defence model
The Swedish system, known as total defence duty, mandates all residents aged 16 to 70 to serve in military, civil, or general service roles. Lord Robertson, who was appointed by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to lead the government's Strategic Defence Review (SDR), responded to a question from Lord Mark Sedwill about whether the UK should implement such a model.
Lord Robertson stated: "I think there is a case for that. It might go against the grain in terms of the way in which we think of ourselves. But I think given the nature of the threats that we now face, both in a civil as well as a military context, I think there would be a case for putting that forward."
Defence Readiness Bill
The former Labour defence secretary also expressed disappointment that the Defence Readiness Bill, which would involve society as a whole, appears unlikely to be included in the King's Speech. "It's a pity, because it's a crucial part of what we promoted," he said, adding that ideas like mandatory civil defence should certainly be on the agenda.
Lord Robertson's comments come amid growing concerns about Britain's ability to defend itself in an increasingly turbulent global environment. Earlier this month, he accused the government of "corrosive complacency" on military spending, claiming that "non-military experts" in the Treasury were committing "vandalism."
Government response
Downing Street rejected Lord Robertson's assertion that Britain was "underprepared" and "underinsured." The prime minister's official spokesperson said: "I completely reject that. Our armed forces, as I say, are working around the world every minute of the day to keep us safe at home."
