Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government what work they have done to assess the feasibility of introducing some form of military service for young UK citizens.

Defence already provides a range of opportunities for young people to experience military service. In response to the Strategic Defence Review 2025, Defence introduced the Armed Forces Foundation Scheme (“Gap Year”) to provide a new route into Service, through a shorter commitment that may appeal to more of society. This is an attractive voluntary employment scheme aimed at young people aged 18 to 25, including those who may never previously have considered a career in the Armed Forces, as well as those who are interested but unsure about committing to a longer period of service. Participants undertake a shorter period of paid military training and service, that promotes teamwork and problem solving, while gaining experience and insight into Service life. On completion, they may choose to continue into Regular or Reserve service through a streamlined transition route, or they may leave to pursue a civilian career with skills that set them up for life.

Alongside this, the Armed Forces undertake extensive engagement with schools, colleges, universities and community organisations across the United Kingdom. This includes careers engagement, leadership and skills development activities, and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) outreach programmes. Through this combination of military experience, engagement, education, skills development and voluntary service opportunities, Defence is already helping more young people understand the role of the Armed Forces, experience Service life, develop valuable skills, and explore opportunities to contribute to national security and public service.

This Government has no current plans for compulsory military service. Since 1963, it has been the policy of successive Governments that the best way of providing for the defence of our country is by maintaining professional Armed Forces which are manned by volunteers.