EXCLUSIVE: Author and historian David Swift has supported an idea suggested by the Liberal Democrats for a war register as tensions in Europe continue to rise
A military historian has talked about the notion of a ‘war register’ in the UK (Image: Getty)
A military expert has suggested the British government could introduce a war register in the event Russia decides to invade Europe. In recent days European officials have warned Vladimir Putin’s military could be preparing, in the next few months, to test the resilience of NATO. As recently as today (Wednesday, September 23), Poland’s armed forces reported that a Russian Mi-8 helicopter had entered its airspace near the town of Braniewo.
With fears that the likes of Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, and Poland could be under threat from a ground or aerial attack, there are renewed concerns about what this could mean for the UK. Should there be a World War 3, there are all manner of ways civilians can get, or be gotten, involved to help the country. However, author and historian David Swift has said an idea suggested by the Liberal Democrats could be implemented.
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European countries such as Lithuania are at readiness to repel Russia (Image: Getty)
Speaking exclusively to the Express, Mr Swift suggested that the UK could introduce a war register. A war register is a pre-organised database of citizens who have formally indicated their willingness to help support the nation during a military attack.
This differs heavily from conscription, which is when a government enforces the mandatory enlistment of people into the military. The UK has not used conscription since 1960, but it did use a form of the war register during WW1.
Mr Swift explained on what basis a war register would be used, in terms of a Russian action, and who would most likely sign up for it: “If there was something explicit and obvious, like ground troops or airstrikes against a NATO country, then we would see a serious response and new sense of urgency from the British government, and something like the war register, which I think a lot of people would sign up for.
“I think it could be a useful way of mobilising people for non-military tasks, although presumably it would largely recruit from more middle class people, as with those offering refuge to Ukrainians, etc. In fact it’s no coincidence the Lib Dems are pushing this.“
While a war register is a stepping stone towards conscription, something that is not a current policy of the Labour government, Mr Swift has previously commented on who would be most likely to not be conscripted when tensions peaked earlier this year.
There are concerns about the UK’s preparedness for conflict as tensions rise (Image: Getty)
On that occasion he suggested: “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.”
Mr Swift then went onto suggest who conscription might target, specifying one group in particular at risk, he said: “Military conscription would target unemployed graduates – this would be very popular with lots of people.”