‌For decades, National Service has been a topic of heated debate; however, successive governments have repeatedly ruled out the possibility of military conscription. But with a shifting global security landscape, there are those who believe National Service is now "absolutely vital". ‌It's understood that this new Army scheme would last for two full years, kicking off with a 13-week basic training course. Passed in January 1916, the Military Service Act 1916 imposed conscription on all single men aged between 18 and 41, unless they were exempt. Meanwhile, under this new act, men under the age of 60 were required to participate in some form of National Service.

Source: Daily Mirror January 10, 2026 10:18 UTC