Amid escalating tensions with Russia, former NATO officials are urging immediate consideration of conscription to bolster military readiness against the increasing threat posed by Vladimir Putin’s forces.
The decline in the UK’s military strength has raised concerns among national security experts. Opposition leader Starmer has cautioned that allied forces stand ready for potential deployment in Ukraine. A former military leader has issued a stark warning, highlighting the vulnerability of the country in the event of a direct assault by Putin.
Since significant reductions to the Ministry of Defence in 2010, the British Army’s active personnel have dwindled to 72,000, the lowest level since the Napoleonic wars. Despite discussions about British involvement in Ukraine, the government has firmly rejected the idea of conscription.
Experts in military affairs have emphasized the dangers of complacency. Sir Richard Shirreff, a former NATO Deputy Supreme Allied Commander, has bluntly stated that the UK must implement conscription promptly to avoid being powerless against Putin’s aggression.
Similarly, Colonel Hamish De Bretton Gordon has cautioned that the UK must be prepared to enact conscription in case of escalation or face the risk of capitulating to Putin. He emphasized the necessity of exploring all options to strengthen the military’s capabilities for ground warfare.
Nations like Poland and Latvia have already reinstated conscription as a precautionary measure. However, neither country has enforced conscription for women.
According to a recent poll by YouGov, 72% of the public believe that women should be conscripted alongside men in the event of a potential World War III. The poll also revealed varying opinions on the roles women should undertake in the armed forces, with a significant portion advocating for equal treatment.
Responding to a Mirror poll on conscription reintroduction, some individuals argued for gender equality in conscription policies. There are differing views within the public regarding the necessity and implications of conscripting women in times of conflict.
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