As global threats escalate and the UK army faces a recruitment crisis, the concept of conscription has been brought to the forefront. Former Director-General of RUSI, Michael Clarke, told LBC that volunteer armies, which he referred to as the 'guts' of the First and Second World War, have historically been central to the UK's military strategy, highlighting that conscription has never been part of the UK's military DNA. The Times reports that fitness levels and patriotism among the young are declining, exacerbating the crisis. In Ukraine, the need for new troops to combat Russian aggression has become more urgent, with enthusiasm no longer sufficient for recruitment. Ex-Foreign Secretary Lord Hague has called for the creation of a Scandinavian-style National Service for the 21st Century, which he deems essential for Britain to confront the 'blunt truth' of current security challenges.
Britain must create a 21st century National Service Lord Hague says after top general sparked conscription fears https://t.co/ps6GOt8uT2
Just in🔥 The UK must reinstate National Service in a modern form as a potential world crisis looms according to 'Lord' William Hague. Another little establishment RAT🐀that should be completely ignored! https://t.co/g0g5B7wNP6
Britain MUST establish National Service, claims Lord Hague as he issues warning over 'blunt truth' https://t.co/MywHVVrMxI
Britain must create a Scandinavian-style National Service for the 21st Century, ex-Foreign Secretary Lord Hague urges - after top general sparked conscription fears in event of all-out war with Russia https://t.co/KpSKmFLK6Z https://t.co/iGd5hSLytG
With Ukraine once again in need of new troops to fend off Russia, military leaders can no longer rely solely on enthusiasm. More men are avoiding military service, while calls to demobilize exhausted frontline soldiers have grown. https://t.co/7ycvBlao20
As global threats rise, our army faces a recruitment crisis. Conscription has been mooted, but fitness levels and patriotism among the young are on the slide ⬇️ https://t.co/4Umc7HIUdJ
And they wonder why the military has a recruiting crisis https://t.co/uUuz0TH9vG
'Conscription has never been part of our military DNA...' Volunteer armies were the 'guts' of the Second and First World War, former Director-General of RUSI Michael Clarke tells @SangitaMyska. https://t.co/c5ppf7tvMG