Overview
- Defence analysts say current personnel levels would not meet the demands of a large war, linking any draft planning to tensions between Russia and NATO.
- Former Army officer Dr Mike Martin argues a draft would be necessary because drones cannot replace troops needed to take and hold ground.
- General Sir Patrick Sanders previously cautioned that Britons should prepare for possible conscription within six years if the Russian threat persists.
- The groups identified as most likely for early call‑up include young men aged roughly 18–25, single people without children, women for wartime roles, former soldiers and reservists, and older cohorts if a conflict drags on.
- Keir Starmer says “nobody is talking about conscription,” though Rishi Sunak had proposed compulsory national service for all 18‑year‑olds.