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The suggestion from Latvia’s foreign minister is for the British Army to potentially implement conscription as a means of deterring Vladimir Putin’s aggressive actions in Europe.
Krisjanis Karins suggested implementing a “total defense” approach to protect against Russia, involving the immediate conscription of citizens to serve on the front lines if necessary.
According to General Sir Patrick Sanders, the leader of the British Army, the UK will require a people’s militia to combat a potential war with Russia.
“I highly advocate for compulsory military service,” stated Mr Karins in an interview with The Sunday Telegraph. “We are constructing and expanding upon a comprehensive defense system that includes all sectors of our society.”
The minister additionally stated that in order to safeguard itself, Britain, along with fellow Nato nations, will need to raise its defense budget in the foreseeable future.
Previously, General Sir Patrick Sanders stated that in order to combat Vladimir Putin, the UK should establish a citizen army.
According to Mr. Karins, it is unavoidable for Britain to raise its defense budget to 3% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which reflects the overall size of the economy.
The Defense Secretary, Grant Shapps, has requested the raise, but Mr. Sunak has stated his goal to increase defense spending to 2.5% of GDP when economic conditions permit.
Mr. Shapps cautioned that Britain is transitioning from a post-war to a pre-war state. However, the government has no intentions to raise the number of full-time troops in the army, which currently stands at around 74,000, a decrease from 102,000 in 2006.
In January, the military minister James Heappey stated that any discussions about the UK implementing conscription into the Army in the event of Nato engaging in war with Russia were baseless.
Number 10 also denied any possibility of conscription being a consideration and stated that there were no intentions to alter the longstanding tradition of the British military being a voluntary force.
The First World War and Second World War saw the British Army conscripting soldiers. However, for the majority of its 364 years, it has been a voluntary force.
Source: independent.co.uk
