Sky News Daily Europe embraces national service - should the UK do the same?
Nov 25, 2025
James Heappey, a former Armed Forces Minister and ex-army major, dives into the pressing conversation around national service in Europe. He discusses Macron's initiative for voluntary military service in France as a response to the Russian threat. He highlights three critical issues national service could address: recruitment shortfalls, national cohesion, and defensive readiness. He also contrasts conscripted forces with professional ones, emphasizes the importance of modern skills in training, and explores how to engage younger generations in service.
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Europe's Shift Toward National Service
- European countries are reintroducing some form of national service in response to the real Russian threat and shifting security environment.
- Macron's plan fits a wider continental trend of boosting reserves and training youth as potential follow-on forces.
Ceasefires Can Increase Threats
- A peace deal in Ukraine could perversely embolden Russia by reducing diplomatic costs for aggression.
- Battle-hardened Russian forces returning home will alter NATO's frontline threat calculus across Europe.
Service Decline Hurts Recruitment
- Declining family military ties reduce young people's instinct to serve and weaken volunteer recruitment.
- Compulsion or structured national service may become necessary to meet armed forces' manpower needs.