The UK is on high alert for a possible Russian attack.
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Britons seeking to avoid military service in the event of a WW3 conscription drive could face a humiliating public shaming ritual.
PM Andy Burnham has been warned Britain faces an “inevitable” Russian attack owing to the UK’s resolute and unyielding support of Ukraine. Security officials were put on heightened alert on Tuesday for a potential strike, either against Mr Burnham personally or vital military facilities.
With the UK now being pulled into the worsening Iran War the prospect of conflict escalating further, especially as Russia aligns with Iran and continues its invasion into Ukraine, grows ever more plausible.
Conscription isn’t certain but if a full WW3-level situation emerges, historical precedent suggests it could be implemented in the UK once more.
WW3 fears are greater than ever – but could conscription be close? (Image: Getty)
During WW2, those who proclaimed themselves “conscientious objectors” were brought before tribunals to make their cases, reports the Express.
They were obliged to attend court to justify their reasons for refusing to enlist, and if their arguments weren’t dismissed, they received a classification of exemption and were allocated non-combat duties to support the war effort.
However regardless of the court’s ruling, there remains the prospect of public humiliation through alternative channels. During World War One, individuals would wave white feathers at men in the streets as a mark of disgrace for those who refused to bear arms and protect their country.
These “conscientious objectors” had declined to participate in Britain’s 1914-1918 conflict against Germany, predominantly on moral grounds. “The White Feather Campaign” was initiated by women to publicly shame men not dressed in military uniform with a white feather, branding them as cowards.
The Parliament website states: “Conscientious objectors had to appear before a tribunal to argue their reasons for refusing to join-up. If their cases were not dismissed, they were granted one of several categories of exemption, and were given non-combatant jobs.”
Today, the rights of conscientious objectors have gained recognition from European courts. A conscription report published in March 2025 by the UK government outlines how the system functions across other European nations with regard to national service in the modern era.
It states: “Most countries obligate men to serve, offering opportunities for women to volunteer if they wish. Many also offer an alternative civilian option for conscientious objectors. Some use a lottery model, meaning that only a small proportion of eligible men are required to serve.
“The European Parliament’s research service briefing on mandatory military service says all EU Member States with an active conscription system have recognised the rights of conscientious objectors through national law.”
In Finland, for example, men are legally obliged to serve, yet non-military service remains available to conscientious objectors. The circumstances are comparable in Greece, with the minimum requirements being: “Less than 12 months military or 15 months civilian service for conscientious objectors.”
Naturally, while you may be offered the chance to undertake a non-combat position should WW3 break out, it won’t stop individuals from presenting a white feather to you in public.
As outlined by the Peace Museum via the University of St Andrews: “The women of the ‘White Feather Campaign’ were militant in more ways than one: with passive aggression, they tried to shame men into signing up and fighting in the war, believing that military involvement was necessary and right.
“The symbol they used took some well-known peace imagery – the classic white dove – and twisted it to fit their public campaign. It is important to remember that, in their militarism, many of these women felt that they were ultimately working towards global peace: joining the ‘war effort’ was the best way, in their view, to bring the First World War to an end.
“Their views stood in stark contrast to the moral pacifism of conscientious objectors, who argued against violence as a means of solving conflict.”