‘Severe’ punishment facing Brits who refuse conscription as WW3 fears skyrocket –Brits thinking about refusing conscription should WW3 break out have been warned about a “severe” punishment. | 29 Aug 2026 | Brits thinking about snubbing conscription could be faced with a “severe” punishment, an expert claims. Fears the UK will need to introduce a compulsory call to arms have skyrocketed in recent weeks following threats from Russia. One of Putin’s closest advisers warned he could not “100% exclude” the prospect of “semi-military” action against British facilities, after the Armed Forces gave Volodmyr Zelensky’s men the blueprints to build its own Storm Shadow missiles. A UK security source has admitted Russia is “preparing something,” something Prime Minister Andy Burnham has even hinted at by saying a Russian attack is “inevitable.” Speaking to Express.co.uk, author and historian David Swift suggested the punishments that could strike Brits if they don’t answer conscription’s call. Mr. Swift suggested that rather than prison time, fines might be imposed on those who refuse to sign up.