Ex-NATO Chief Says UK Should Bring Back National Service For Everyone Aged 16 to 70

A former NATO chief is urging the British government to bring back mandatory national service to boost the country’s security.

ex-NATO secretary genera Lord George Robertson has called for the government to consider a model similar to Sweden’s that would have roles for people of all ages in a bid to enhance the country’s resilience against threats from Russia and Iran.

He previously said that the government was “underprepared” for a possible attack in the future.

MSN reports: He has since argued to follow Sweden’s policy of total defence that encompasses both military and civil defence of the country. The total defence duty applies to all residents from when the year they turn 16 to the end of the year they turn 70.

When asked if the UK should have defined civil resilience roles similar to those in Sweden, Lord George 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. 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 part of what we promoted. But I think ideas like that should certainly be on the agenda.”

Sweden outlines the dual roles of its military and civil defence, of which defence of the population is the most important. Citizens are expected to go without electricity and have access to water or grocery shops for a period of time.

The UK used to have conscription laws, though these were phased out in the decades after WW2. The last conscripted serviceman left the UK armed forces in 1963.