General Sir Patrick Sanders reportedly called for a “citizen army” and a “whole-of-nation” approach for preparation for war, stating that the UK needs to be prepared for potential conflict. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed there are no plans for conscription despite the head of the Army’s comments. General Sir Sanders also emphasized the need for expansion of the regular army during his speech. This comes shortly after a NATO chief warned that the alliance may be at war within the next two decades.
Former Defence Committee chair Tobias Ellwood, who has served with Sir Sanders, expressed the importance of taking the army chief’s advice seriously. Additionally, Downing Street and the MoD have made clear that conscription is not on the agenda. In his speech, General Sir Sanders outlined the need for an Army designed to expand rapidly and the importance of resource and citizen army training. He also highlighted the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine and the need for national mobilization in eastern and northern Europe.
According to Sir Sanders, the ongoing war in eastern and northern Europe demonstrates the vitality of national mobilization and the need for war readiness in those regions. He emphasized that the UK must also prepare using a “whole-of-nation” approach and acknowledged the importance of being ready for war. The MoD has echoed that the UK Armed Forces will remain a voluntary force and are being invested in to handle potential threats.
Admiral Rob Bauer of NATO’s Military Committee expressed his approval of Swedish civilians preparing for war, noting the necessity of having basic supplies. He emphasized that there may not always be peace and that societal involvement in war is essential. He stressed that “whole of society” will be involved in future potential conflicts, whether individuals like it or not.