Robin Tilbrook has declared the opposition of The English Democrats to any form of conscription in England. For any war. It is therefore interesting to note that Germany is already forcing young men to get permission before travelling abroad.

A new clause in Germany's Military Service Modernisation Act, effective 1 January, mandates that men aged 17 to 45 must seek permission from the armed forces before residing abroad for over three months.

The government explains this measure as a precaution to track potential recruits should conscription be reconsidered, noting it revives a largely unused Cold War-era regulation. Despite official assurances that there are no penalties and authorisations will be routinely granted, the clause has generated significant public concern and protests, particularly among young people.

The legislation is part of broader reforms designed to bolster Germany's military, with aims to increase its armed forces to between 255,000 and 270,000 personnel by 2035. The regulation's underlying purpose is to enable the state to monitor and, if necessary, restrict the movement of men of fighting age during a national emergency.

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