WW3 conscription ‘would goal one main group’ in UK – with ‘two others’ exempt
The UK could be forced to introduce conscription as unemployed graduates likely to be targeted first and key workers in two sectors likely to be exempt, according to a historian
The UK could be closer than ever to war with Russia (Stock)(Image: Getty)
Concerns about a worldwide conflict have skyrocketed as one major group is set to be targeted in the event of a WW3 military draft hitting the UK. Vladimir Putin’s war on Ukraine displays no sign of ending, while the Iran crisis continues to impact numerous nations.
Russia has intensified its warnings to the UK after Britain provided Volodmyr Zelenskyy’s forces with the blueprints to construct their own Storm Shadow missiles. One of Putin’s most trusted advisers cautioned he could not “100% exclude” the possibility of “semi- military ” action against Britain.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has even acknowledged the nation faces an “inevitable” Russian attack while a UK security source admitted Russia is “preparing for something”. Should a conflict erupt, the UK may need to implement conscription to strengthen its Armed Forces, especially after a retired Army major cautioned the military is in its most dire condition for more than 70 years.
The UK could be forced to reintroduce conscription to prepare for a wider European war (Stock)(Image: Cpl Paul Squires/Army / SWNS)
Conscription is when a government enforces compulsory recruitment of individuals into military service. During the past 126 years, there have been just two occasions of conscription in the UK. The first occurred between 1916 and 1920 and the second took place between 1939 and 1960, reports the Express.
What would the mandatory call-up look like in 2026?
Author and historian David Swift proposed the policy would probably exclude people employed in two sectors. Speaking to the Express, he said: “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.”
He also hinted at which group might be first in line for conscription, adding: “Military conscription would target unemployed graduates – this would be very popular with lots of people.”
Unemployed graduates could be off to the frontlines if conscription hits the UK (Stock)(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
The use of conscription during WW2 could provide some insight into what it might look like today. In the late 1930s and 1940s, professions such as bakers, farmers, doctors, nurses and engineers were exempt from conscription.
This historical context could also indicate the likely age ranges targeted for both men and women. At present, the likelihood of conscription seems slim. In 2024, former head of the British Army General Sir Patrick Sanders suggested the UK should prepare for “national mobilisation” and a “citizen army” in response to the Russian threat.
However a spokesperson for then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak disagreed, stating they had “no intention” of introducing conscription. Cabinet Minister Pat McFadden echoed this stance in March 2025.
Instead successive UK governments have maintained a highly trained, professional armed force comprised of volunteers is the most effective way to defend the nation.
