EXCLUSIVE: As WW3 fears continue to mount, a British military historian has pointed out the groups who could and couldn’t be called up
WW3 fears are greater than ever – but could conscription be close? (Image: Getty)
Fears of a global conflict have never been greater. Vladimir Putin’s war against Ukraine shows no signs of abating, while the Iran conflict continues to affect multiple countries – with its leadership even directly threatening Donald Trump and his family. Russia, meanwhile, have ramped up their threats to the UK following the Armed Forces giving Volodmyr Zelenskyy’s men the blueprints to build its own Storm Shadow missiles.
One of Putin’s closest advisers warned he could not “100% exclude” the prospect of “semi-military” action against British facilities. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has even admitted the country faces an “inevitable” Russian attack while a UK security source admitted Russia is “preparing for something”.
In the event a conflict with the UK does break out, the country may have to enact conscription to bulk up its Armed Forces, particularly after a retired Army major warned the military is in its worst state for more than 70 years.
Conscription refers to when a government enforces a mandatory enlistment into individuals into the military service. Over the past 126 years there have only been two instances of conscription in the UK, the first was between 1916 and 1920 and the second was between 1939 and 1960.
But what would the enforced call-up look like in 2026? Author and historian David Swift suggested that the policy would likely be exempt for people working in two areas.
He told the Express: “Today, since there is such an urgent need to rebuild Britain’s defence industries and industrial capacity, I would expect that people in these important occupations would be exempt. Or even that people could be ‘conscripted’ into working in these industries.”
Meanwhile, he suggested one group will be targeted first to enlist. He continued: “Military conscription would target unemployed graduates – this would be very popular with lots of people.”
The ways conscription was used in WW2 could go some way in showing exactly what it could look like in the present day. In the 40s, it was bakers, farmers, doctors, nurses and engineers who were spared conscription. It can also show the rough age ranges that will be targeted for both men and women.
The chances of conscription, at the moment, seem unlikely. In 2024, the former head of the British Army Gernal Sir Patrick Sanders suggested the UK should lay the foundations for “national mobilisation” and a “citizen army” in the wake of the Russian threat.
But a spokesperson for then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak disagreed and said they had “no intention” of introducing conscription. In March 2025, Cabinet Minister Pat McFadden reiterated that position.
Instead, successive UK governments have argued that a highly trained, professional armed force staffed by volunteers is the most effective way to defend the country.