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The world is a volatile place and Britain could roll out a method of conscription in the event of a global conflict.
The UK could be forced to bring in a method of conscription in the event of another world war (Image: Getty)
Some Brits are understandably worried about a global conflict kicking off as the world feels in many ways on a knife edge. Decades-old certainties have dissipated, leaving a unpredictable and dangerous geopolitical climate. NATO allies were at odds over Donald Trump's aim to take over Greenland earlier this month, and Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine still rumbles on. The conflict is close to becoming longer than the First World War was.
Moreover, China continues to threaten to sovreignty of Taiwan. It is no wonder then that a conversation is ongoing as to whether the UK could roll out some sort of conscription if the the worst were to happen. The Defence Secretary, John Healey, has insisted that Britain does not need it. However, considering this government's many U-turns since coming to power and the volitility world events, it surely cannot be ruled out completely.
Mr Healey himself hinted at being interested in it during a trip to Norway last year.
Full list of European nations with conscription
A number of European countries already have some sort of conscription, as outlined by a House of Commons research paper from March 2025.
Below is its low down of the nations on the continent that mandate military service.
| Austria | Males mandated by law | Six months military or nine months civil service. 2013 referendum supported continuation. |
| Cyprus | Males mandated by law | Less than two years compulsory military service. |
| Denmark | Males mandated by law (chosen by lottery); Women can volunteer | Alternative civil service available. |
| Estonia | Males mandated by law; Women can volunteer | Service for less than a year. |
| Finland | Males mandated by law; Women can volunteer | Military and non-military service for conscientious objectors, less than a year. |
| Greece | Males mandated by law | Less than 12 months military or 15 months civilian service for conscientious objectors. |
| Latvia | Males mandated by law; Women can volunteer | Less than 12 months service. Reintroduced in 2024 after suspension in 2007. |
| Lithuania | Males aged 19–26 mandated by law | Less than 12 months service. Reintroduced in 2015 after suspension in 2008. |
| Norway | Selective compulsory military service | Applies to both men and women. |
| Sweden | Men and women equally mandated by law | Selective compulsory service, less than 12 months. Reintroduced in 2018 after suspension in 2010. |
| Switzerland | Males mandated by law; Women may volunteer | Less than 12 months service. Alternative civil/community service available. |
| Turkey | Males mandated by law; Women may volunteer | Less than 12 months service. |
John Healey has said the UK doesn't need conscription (Image: Getty)
If the UK were to adopt a method of conscription, it may be based on one of the models above.
A European Union (EU) briefing described the different types currently in place: mandatory service, a lottery-based system and selective compulsory service.
The first is usually done in cycles.
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The second uses special software, which typically calls at least one person per municipality.
And selective service is done based on individuals' "motivation, interest in the military and level of education".
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