UK urged to consider national service as a resilience measure
A parliamentary briefing suggests Britain should debate re-introducing national service, citing examples from Finland, Estonia and Norway.
A recent parliamentary research briefing has called on the United Kingdom to open a discussion on national service, drawing on Professor Hew Strachan’s 2020 RAND analysis of Britain’s defence needs. Strachan contends that widespread civic involvement in defence, similar to the systems in Finland and Estonia, strengthens societal resilience against aggression. The briefing also references a Centre for Social Justice proposal to create an optional, paid 12-month army commission for 18-year-olds, inspired by Norway’s model, aimed at skill development and civic engagement.
While the briefing urges consideration of such schemes, Defence Minister Lord Coaker confirmed that the government currently favours professional volunteer forces and has no intention to re-introduce compulsory service. He emphasized ongoing voluntary initiatives that provide young people with military experience, education and skill-building opportunities. Historical context notes that conscription was used in the world wars, but modern policy has shifted toward an all-volunteer force.
