Is Ripon Ready?
I’m sure we’re all caught up with the news with calls for a ‘citizen army’ to prepare Britain for war. However, are citizens of Ripon and the surrounding areas ready to respond?
To be clear, a citizen army is not conscription but instead we have received warnings to be prepared for a mass mobilisation in a time of war, requiring the training of a reserve. With rising tensions surrounding Taiwan; increased tension in the Middle East; and major war unlike anything seen in Europe for generations, the lack of readiness of the UK for an invasion has become increasingly obvious. However, it will be the general public who makes up the ranks of a citizen army and they have their own thoughts on this, and it’s no different in the city of Ripon and surrounding areas.
Many members of the public have expressed mixed views on the topic. One member of the public told me in response to the idea of a citizen army, “I wouldn’t be too excited and there’s nothing glorifying about war. I don’t ever think anyone can properly understand the pain you would go through but if I had to then yeah, I would". Another individual said “It would encourage a common sense of nationhood and help with uniting the UK, especially necessary due to recent divides. Also, through training it would improve the discipline and productivity of the country. However, this must be done professionally and competently and an actual war would be awful; especially for citizens who’ve never experienced real warfare.” Finally, another inhabitant of Ripon said “I think it’s a pretty good idea. Our military’s been lacking a lot recently, so a citizen army is important”.
To conclude then, the citizens of Ripon have many concerns over the prospect of being in a citizen army and feel that if war were to come, it would be horrific. However, many feel our army has been lacking for a long time now and that if needed, they would fill our depleted ranks defend the UK if, however unlikely, war was to arrive.
