The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that its policy on the call-out and mobilisation of reservists has remained unchanged over the past six months.
In response to a parliamentary question from Helen Maguire MP (Liberal Democrat – Epsom and Ewell), Minister of State Maria Eagle stated that although reservists are technically on immediate notice for mobilisation, the Department’s policy remains that “wherever possible, a minimum of 28 days’ formal notice will be given for contingency operations and 90 days for pre-planned operations.”
Eagle stressed that in developing mobilisation policy, “ensuring that the process is optimal for Defence, the Employer and the Reservist continues to be at the forefront of our thinking.” The emphasis, she said, remains on balancing military needs with the realities faced by reservists and their civilian employers.
The announcement comes at a time of heightened attention on reservist issues. The Future Reserves 2020 programme, launched under the Coalition Government, aimed to grow and better integrate reserve forces with the Regulars.
Although the trained strength of the reserves grew by 29% between 2013 and 2024, numbers have been falling from a peak of 33,010 in 2020, and only the RAF Reserve has met its target size.
Concerns about reservist support were recently raised in Parliament. In November 2024, Steve Yemm MP (Labour – Mansfield) warned of inadequate funding, reduced training opportunities, and unexpected salary shortfalls driving reservists away from service.
Responding at the time, Defence Minister Al Carns, himself a new reservist, announced that a review of the reservist system would be undertaken and linked to the broader Strategic Defence Review. This review, currently underway, aims to simplify processes and strengthen support for reservists, ensuring they can continue their vital contribution to national defence.
