Brits who dodge WW3 conscription call-up to army could face 'societal shaming'

Fears that conscription could return to the UK have risen over recent years as international conflicts across the globe have many worried humanity is sleep walking into WW3 . If global tensions reach boiling point some experts are worried the UK will have to re-introduce mandatory military service to help bolster the nation's war effort. History expert Professor Joshua Bilton has warned Brits seeking to avoid a potential draft could face serious backlash from their peers.

The conscription expert told the Daily Star: “It could certainly affect their social and cultural standing and might even have an impact on employment post-conflict. "But I think it depends on what segments of society are talking about, as society is not monolithic, and while some will accept it and say good for you, others may shame them. It is far more nuanced than many acknowledge, as it depends greatly on how family and friends feel about a forthcoming war."

While the prospect of conscription being rolled out to the UK population does sound daunting, Bilton has said he doubts men will be hauled onto the frontline if conscription makes a return. The war studies expert stated: “Most people will not end up in the armed forces; most people will go into industry or civil defence or other roles and sectors that support the war effort. “If we look at both world wars, only about 25% of the male population of a certain age went into the armed forces, and even then it was often in non-combatant or support roles.”

Bilton has stated in the event of a WW3 conscription call-up it is unlikely the government would shame men who refuse to contribute to the war effort. However he added this might not stop “more covert and implicit” methods being deployed by some groups to pressure men into joining the war effort. The expert stated these methods could resemble the White Feather Campaign launched by women in WW1. The Campaign publicly mocked men not wearing military uniform with a white feather, marking them as cowards.

Bilton told the Star: “While some segments of society would certainly shame men, it has never been government policy to necessarily do it. It would be more covert and implicit, as we saw during the FWW when the recruitment campaigns used direct but subtler language. Plus, I'm sure many would look favourably on those who dodged the draft.”