Senior military commanders are urging the government to consider reinstating national conscription, a move not seen in over six decades, as fears grow over the UK's ability to counter a potential Russian attack.
An Army at its Smallest Since Waterloo
The stark warnings come against a backdrop of a severely diminished British Army. Following major defence cuts initiated in 2010, the regular forces now stand at just over 74,000 personnel. This figure represents the smallest fighting force Britain has maintained since the Napoleonic era, specifically since the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.
Experts in national security have raised the alarm over these numbers. One former commander issued a grave assessment, suggesting the country would be effectively powerless if faced with a direct assault from Vladimir Putin's forces, which boast over a million troops.
Top Brass Issue Stark Warnings
The calls for action are being led by some of the nation's most experienced defence figures. Sir Richard Shirreff, former NATO Deputy Supreme Allied Commander, has declared that Britain must implement conscription immediately or face being defenceless. He urged the government to "think the unthinkable" and strategise for a future conflict.
Sir Richard proposed the government examine "selective conscription" to build the necessary military mass. "I can't see how an army of just 70,000 is going to be able to deter Russia in the long term," he stated, highlighting the current force's struggle to deploy a sustained brigade.
Echoing this concern, Colonel Hamish De Bretton Gordon called for preparations to begin, warning the UK must either plan for conscription or confront the real possibility of capitulation. He stressed the parallel need to modernise the military with the right kit and ammunition, while supporting Ukraine.
Government Resistance and European Context
Despite these urgent pleas from the military establishment, the UK government remains firmly opposed to the idea. Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat MacFaddon has categorically stated that conscription is "not on the table," even as British forces are active in Ukraine and Prime Minister Keir Starmer champions peace initiatives.
This stance contrasts sharply with actions taken by other European nations on NATO's frontline. Countries like Poland and Latvia have already reinstated mandatory military service to brace for a worst-case scenario with Russia. The debate intensifies amid escalating tensions and hints from Donald Trump that America might scale back its security guarantees to Europe, prompting a frantic NATO build-up in the Baltic region.
Conscription, known as National Service, was first introduced in the UK via the Military Service Act of 1916 during the First World War. The system lasted until the final conscripts were discharged in 1963.
So, what is your view? Is it time for the UK to bring back compulsory military service to safeguard its future, or is there another path to national security? Have your say.
