Britain should consider adopting a Finnish conscription model to deter aggression from Putin, a Nato ally has said.
Krisjanis Karins, Latvia’s foreign minister and former prime minister, said that a ‘total defence’ model was needed in Nato countries to defend against any Russian aggression. He said that Latvia, which shares a 133-mile border with Russia, reintroduced conscription after Russia invaded Ukraine. Under the county’s conscription model, all able-bodied men between the ages of 18 and 17 must complete an 11-month term in the national service.
Tobias Ellwood, former minister and ex-chairman of the Commons defence committee, supported Mr Karins’ suggestions, as he said on Saturday we should “be reviewing” the UK’s defence model. He said: “Visiting Finland recently, it was clear to see they have the most impressive ‘total defence’ model in Nato.“Sitting on the West’s front line during the Cold War necessitated retaining the ability to mobilise much of the population at short notice.