The self-made mobile phone and property tycoon, 71, said it was his duty to fight for the country that has given him everything.
His readiness for battle comes after General Sir Patrick Sanders, the head of the army, warned Britain must be prepared to mobilise tens of thousands of people if we find ourselves at war with rogue states such as Russia.
The Midlands-born father-of-seven – worth £2.5billion – said: “If our country was invaded, I believe that every man who is fit and able should join in the defence of our nation – myself included.
“If the situation called for it, I would be prepared to fight for Britain. It is my duty.
“With aggressive adversaries like Russia, we need to replenish both combat-ready troops and reservists should the worst happen.
“Conscription may not be very popular – but it does make sense.”
The depleted state of our Armed Forces, including reservists, would not be large enough to defend the country if there was a war, General Sir Patrick said. It meant the UK must now prepare for “national mobilisation”.
The ominous warning comes amid heightened global tensions, with Russia’s war with Ukraine now entering its second year and Israel’s conflict with Hamas spreading across the Middle East.
Gen Sir Patrick said that by 2027 Britain should be able to increase its army to 120,000, including regular soldiers, reserves and a “strategic reserve” group, of recalled retired troops.
Latest figures show our forces – including army regulars and reservists – total just 102,520. National service ended in 1960.
Rishi Sunak yesterday insisted the UK would be able to defend itself properly if Russia attacked.
On Piers Morgan Uncensored, the PM said his job is “to put the right investment in – which I have done. I did that first as chancellor, where we put the largest increase of funding into the MoD since the end of the cold war.”
He added: “We are the second biggest defence spender in Nato.”
Mr Caudwell’s willingness to answer the call of duty comes after former Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he would do the same – and encouraged others to taste the discipline and structure military service brings.
