To put it into perspective: the US has what’s known as the “Selective Service System” where it’s mandatory for every male citizen to register within a month of their 18th birthday for conscription. Now, Trump is considering on making the process automatic by December.

In their case, the current system works under mandatory registration which isn’t automated. Not only does it apply to citizens, but also residents, aslyum seekers and immigrants. Now, imagine the same thing happening in Britain, instead with Starmer imposing that…

The scenario is like this: suddenly the UK government in London refers from the database on where every British male who possesses BRP’s, photo ID, driver’s license or passport by putting their names onto a draft lottery (where they’ll be piled onto the MoD’s database).

It would mean, in some time: you can be called up by the British Army saying you have to serve when the circumstances deem it necessary (failing to comply results in imprisonment) and they are not excluding those living in Jersey, Gibraltar, Isle of Man, Scotland & etc.

Even if it were to occur or be discussed, what would be the response towards that from the public if out of nowhere the government is like: “all men ages from 18-25 are automatically subjected to conscription, no exceptions” under the guise of “for the king & country”.

  • ohulancutash@feddit.uk
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    7
    ·
    17 days ago

    Why would anyone expect Scotland to be excluded? Defence is not a devolved power.

    IoM, Jersey and Gibraltar aren’t part of the UK, so it would be illegal to draft their citizens.

    Needless to say, it would be popular among the reform runts, and unpopular amongst everyone else. Electoral suicide for Labour.

    • Z3k3@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      2
      ·
      17 days ago

      Im from Scotland and I find excluding Scotland to be an odd premise. Im also curious to the logic given the only part of the uk that doesn’t have some form of devolution is England why single out Scotland.

      The other part of the post im not a huge fan of is no exceptions. There are lots of reasons people can be excepted mostly around health.

      When I tried to joined the armed forces at 16 I was told to piss off because I use an inhaler. The example they gave your in a situation you need a gas mask and take a bad attack I can die because I couldn’t take my inhaler or I could die because I took off my mask

      Is it hyperbolic yes. Did it get the point across also yes.

  • Onomatopoeia@lemmy.cafe
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    1
    arrow-down
    2
    ·
    edit-2
    17 days ago

    Keep in mind this is a database of eligible men - not actual conscription. That would take, literally, an act of Congress.

    WWI and WWII exposed a gap in this data, which slowed the process - a time when it was very much needed.

    US today military does not want conscripts. They make terrible soldiers.