A top government advisor has suggested reintroducing mandatory national service in the UK to bolster civilian resilience against threats from Russia and Iran. Lord George Robertson, a former Nato secretary general, urged the British government to consider a Swedish-style model that includes roles for residents of all ages.
Lord Robertson's Call for Civil Defence Roles
Lord Robertson, who served as Labour defence secretary and authored the Strategic Defence Review, has previously criticised the government for being 'underprepared' for potential attacks. Now, he argues for mandatory civil defence roles similar to Sweden's total defence duty, which requires people aged 16 to 70 to serve and protect the population during war or crisis.
Speaking at the National Security Strategy committee, Lord Robertson said: 'I think there is a case for that. It might go against the grain in terms of the way in which we think of ourselves. But I think given the nature of the threats that we now face, both in a civil as well as a military context, I think there would be a case for putting that forward.'
He added: 'We talk about a defence readiness bill in our review, which would involve society as a whole. It appears it’s not going to be in the King’s speech next week or the week after next, which is a pity, because it’s a crucial part of what we promoted. But I think ideas like that should certainly be on the agenda.'
Sweden's Total Defence Model
Sweden's total defence duty includes military service for conscripts, civilian duties such as rescue, childcare, and healthcare, and general national service activities in the event of war. Sweden reintroduced mandatory, gender-neutral conscription in 2017, ending the short-lived voluntary system from 2010.
Other European countries have similar systems. Finland has conscription for men over 18, who must choose between civil or military service, with refusal generally carrying a prison sentence. Germany voted last year to introduce voluntary military service due to the changing security situation, requiring men over 18 to complete an online questionnaire. Austria requires men over 18 to complete six months of military service or nine months of civilian service.
Historical Context of UK National Service
The UK had national service after World War II. Peacetime conscription, introduced in 1949, required all able-bodied men aged 17 to 21 to serve. It lasted until 1963, with over two million men serving in the British Army, Navy, and RAF.
Recently, Sweden, Finland, Norway, and Denmark released new war pamphlets in 2024 following the escalation of the war in Ukraine and Russian threats. Lord Robertson's comments come amid heightened tensions with Russia and Iran, emphasising the need for societal preparedness.
While the government has not included a defence readiness bill in the upcoming King's speech, Lord Robertson insists such ideas should remain on the agenda to protect the UK from evolving threats.
