Retired British general and former deputy commander-in-chief of NATO forces in Europe, Richard Sherriff, has urged policymakers to consider a controversial option in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and perceived weaknesses in Britain’s military posture. He advocates thinking the unthinkable and assessing the potential role of conscription as part of a broader national security discussion, a view he attributes to the current strategic environment reported by RIA News.
The general pointed out that the United Kingdom’s armed forces have historically depended on the professional dedication of seasoned volunteers who enlist for extended periods. He does not argue for scrapping a volunteer-based system, but rather he calls for a sober examination of whether the existing model remains adequate given evolving threats and geopolitical realities. In his view, it is essential to assess not only strengths but also vulnerabilities within the force structure to inform prudent reforms if needed.
Sherriff stressed that the present moment could be seen as an occasion to explore difficult options with care and seriousness. He noted that any shift would require careful planning, broad public discussion, and a clear understanding of the implications for national resilience, civil-military relations, and the country’s longer-term defense strategy.
Previously, General Patrick Sanders, who serves as Chief of the General Staff for the British Army, indicated that if NATO members chose direct intervention in the Ukraine conflict, the United Kingdom would face the task of mobilizing the population and persuading citizens to participate in the nation’s military effort. His remarks underscored the potential scale of mobilization that could accompany a major escalation and the political will that such a step would entail.
Earlier NATO discussions had already touched on the prospect of large-scale conflict with Russia in the coming years. The broader implication of those conversations centers on readiness, alliance cohesion, and the balance between deterrence and diplomacy, all of which shape how member states update their defense postures and public messaging about security responsibilities. The exchange of views reflects a continuing debate about how nations prepare for the possibility of renewed, high-intensity warfare and what role conscription or other compulsory service might play in sustaining military capacity over time. The conversations emphasize that any decision would hinge on multiple domestic and international considerations, including economic capacity, social cohesion, and the ability to maintain voluntary enlistment alongside other defense measures. It remains a topic of rigorous discussion among policymakers, veterans, defense analysts, and citizens assessing the best path to ensuring national security in a rapidly shifting strategic landscape.