Oldham residents have say on bringing back conscription

As talk about whether the Government would conscript the British public into the military in the event of a war, The Oldham Times took to the streets to ask residents whether they would be willing to fight, including former soldier Edward Dillon.

Originally from Glasgow, the 61-year-old explained that he served in the army before retirement and many of his friends still serve.

Army veteran Edward Dillon (Image: Newsquest)

"I would fight in the war, I think it's only right if someone attacks our country we have to defend it and there's not enough soldiers. I'm an ex-soldier, if conscription happens, it happens," he said.

"It's frightening for the kids and people who've not been in the army, it would be scary to them.

"But it will definitely happen, and currently there is not enough soldiers on the ground.

"I'm telling you, if it was to start now we haven't got enough to defend ourselves - people will be conscripted."

However, many people including Ali Mohammed, who was visiting Oldham from Didsbury, would not be so willing to fight.

Mr Mohammed explained that he is an Iraqi refugee who was forced to leave his home country.

He said: "I'm running from Iraq, I fled from the war so I know what war will do and the suffer it will bring to people.

"If was did happen it's going to be very distressing, absolutely. Everyone will be shot - it's frightening; no good."

While John Badby, of Fitton Hill, told The Oldham Times that he is also not prepared to go to war.

James Twist (left) and John Badby (Image: Newsquest)

He said: "I'm scared of dying, I'm not fighting - what's there to fight for? This country has gone to pot.

"I know my grandad fought in World War One and World War Two, but I'm not!"

Some of Oldham's 'civilians' know their way around a firearm, like Stuart Skibinski who went to army training when he was younger and "would probably fight".

Stuart Skibinski went to army training when he was younger (Image: Newsquest)

The 41-year-old, who was with his partner and newborn baby at Spindles Shopping Centre, added: "I would be nervous going into it but I went to army training when I was younger so I know how to use a weapon."

Meanwhile, the thought of World War Three does not frighten 40-year-old James Twist, who lives in the borough, as he explained he and friends have been readying themselves with paintball guns.

He added: "Damn right I would fight for our country - I was preparing the other day at the back of the mill on Cargo Street.

"I'm not scared to fight, I'm a soldier but not in the army, in a mental way.

"I think by law anyone 17 to 21 should automatically go to the front line and the older you are you should be sat back and getting fought for. Get us to war man!"