This House of Lords Library briefing provides a brief overview of the history of conscription in Britain in the First World War to mark the centenary of the enactment of the Military Service Act 1916. It also identifies those countries in the European Union that currently enforce conscription or compulsory military service.
The Military Service Act 1916: 100 Years (96 KB , PDF)
Conscription was introduced in Britain during the First World War in January 1916. The Military Service Act 1916 imposed conscription on all single men aged between 18 and 41 who were not eligible for exemption. The Act was modified by subsequent legislation throughout the First World War, and conscription continued until 1920. However, compulsory military service was reintroduced in May 1939, prior to the Second World War, and was imposed on all single men aged between 20 and 21. The male age limit for military service was raised throughout the Second World War, and in 1941 Parliament passed legislation which made provision for the conscription of women.
The Military Service Act 1916: 100 Years (96 KB , PDF)
The US government has recently shifted its approach to Ukraine, engaging in direct negotiations with Russia regarding the conflict’s resolution, pursuing a minerals agreement with Ukraine, and temporarily halting military aid and intelligence sharing. During these developments, the UK government has reaffirmed its support for Ukraine through financial and military assistance, in addition to hosting a peace summit and committing further military aid.
The global landscape has changed significantly over the last couple of decades. This has led to questions about the UK’s current global standing and its ambitions. This briefing considers these issues in the context of the UK’s membership of international organisations, and its defence policy, foreign policy, and influence through soft power, the economy and aid spending.
Looking at lessons from the war in Ukraine, the House of Lords International Relations and Defence Committee found the UK is “under-prepared” to meet the growing threat from Russia. The committee called on the government to commit to increasing and better targeting its defence spending and to leveraging the UK’s alliances. The government’s strategic defence review is due to report in spring 2025.
