The Surprising Exemptions If Conscription Returns: Who Would Be Spared?

Updated 16:51 20 Sep 2026 GMT+1Published 08:30 21 Mar 2025 GMT

Geopolitical tensions are at a worryingly high level

Although it's often over-sensationalised, the threat of a third world war has perhaps never been closer.

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has been causing issues for years and shows no signs of stopping, despite the best efforts of president Donald Trump who met with Vladimir Putin and promised a ceasefire was on its way.

It's perhaps no surprise that the US leader has been at the forefront of one of the biggest other wars right now, between the US and Iran, which has caused huge issues across the globe due to Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, while Trump has threatened to destroy the Middle Eastern country due to their alleged access to nuclear weapons.

While we in the UK have enough problems on our plate, the previous prime minister Keir Starmer promised that we wouldn't be getting involved, but that hasn't stopped plenty of members of the general public being worried about a potential call-up to the military should any global conflict break out.

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So, very much noting the UK is not looking to go to war anytime soon, there’s a number of ways you could avoid being conscripted if it ever actually came up.

Of course, we’ve not seen a general mobilisation of troops on such a scale since World War II, over 80 years ago.

And thankfully, Cabinet Office minister Pat McFadden has ruled out conscription here to ready the UK for a potential war, but it may be that ‘decisions are needed in the future that respond to a new reality.'

He said on Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips: “We are not considering conscription, but of course we have announced a major increase in defence expenditure.

"We do have to recognise that the world has changed. The phrase 'step up' is used a lot. Europe does have to step up in terms of its own defence.

"President Trump isn't actually the first president to say that, but he said it more loudly and with more force than his predecessors - so, I think we have got to recognise that moment."

But there are people calling for conscription as Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs urged European countries to follow his lead and ‘absolutely’ introduce conscription.

I know what you're thinking: 'No thank you.' (Getty Stock)

So, let’s say everything suddenly changes and conscription is introduced, it would be just like the WW2 call up when exemptions were made.

Back then, things like health, age, gender and profession came into play with who could and couldn’t be called up to serve.

And it’s fair to say it’s likely a lot of those will be similar as those working in essential industries would be exempt. When we last had a situation like that, those key jobs included the likes of farmers, engineers, medical professionals, bakers and coal miners.

The National Service Act in 1939 was tweaked during the war, and ended up with men between the ages of 18 and 51 having to be called up (it was originally 18 to 41).

Exemptions in that also included those who were medically unfit to fight.

The UK seems unlikely to introduce it but that doesn't mean it's not unnerving. (Getty Stock)

There’s currently quite a number of conditions that prevent a person from joining the British Armed Forces, such as hearing and vision problems.

Plus, those with bone or joint problems like chronic knee injuries, shoulder problems and hypermobility syndrome are also exempt from serving.

People can also be stopped from enlisting if they have neurological conditions, cardiovascular issues, severe skin conditions or psychiatric problems.

British women weren’t allowed to fight last time we were at war but since 2018, they’ve been able to serve in all combat roles in the military. So, it’s pretty likely women could be drafted at the same rate as men if conscription is ever introduced.

But before you start panicking and applying for essential jobs, the Prime Minister has solidified that there is ‘no intention’ of introducing conscription.

“The British military has a proud tradition of being a voluntary force. There are no plans to change that,” a spokesperson said.

Featured Image Credit: Leon Neal/Getty Images

Topics: Ukraine, Russia, UK News, Army