Eighteen-year-olds in the UK could soon be required to undertake a form of national service if the Conservative Party wins the July 4 General Election, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced.
Sunak highlighted that many young people have missed out on opportunities they deserve and proposed this measure to help unite society in an increasingly uncertain world.
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Under the proposed plan, 18-year-olds would have the option of either a full-time placement in the armed forces for 12 months or spending one weekend a month for a year volunteering in their community.
The Conservatives suggested that this community service could include assisting local fire, police, and NHS services, as well as charities focused on combating loneliness and supporting the elderly.
Sunak aims to contrast his party’s stance on global security with Labour, reiterating his pledge to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2030.
He criticized Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, arguing that voters would be “at risk” with him as Prime Minister due to his lack of a concrete plan for national security.
For those opting for military service, the program would involve learning and participating in logistics, cyber security, procurement, or civil response operations. The Conservatives plan to establish a royal commission to design this national service program, drawing expertise from both the military and civil society.
The first pilot is expected to be open for applications by September 2025, with the goal of making the program compulsory by the end of the next Parliament through a new ‘National Service Act’.
The program is estimated to cost £2.5 billion annually by the decade’s end. Funding would come from a crackdown on tax avoidance and evasion, estimated to save £1 billion, with the remaining £1.5 billion reallocated from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which supports charities and community groups.
Sunak emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating, “This is a great country, but generations of young people have not had the opportunities or experience they deserve. There are forces trying to divide our society in this increasingly uncertain world. I have a clear plan to address this and secure our future.
This new, mandatory national service will provide life-changing opportunities for our young people, offering them the chance to learn real-world skills, do new things, and contribute to their community and our country.”
Earlier, Sunak suggested that a Labour-led government would bring uncertainty and a more dangerous world. He warned, “The consequences of uncertainty are clear. No plan means a more dangerous world. You, your family, and our country are all at risk if Labour wins.”
Labour, however, dismissed the announcement as “another desperate unfunded commitment.” A party spokesperson pointed out that a similar scheme, the National Citizen Service, was introduced by former Prime Minister David Cameron without an armed forces component. The spokesperson criticized the Conservatives for hollowing out the armed forces and declared, “Britain has had enough of the Conservatives, who are bankrupt of ideas and have no plans to end 14 years of chaos. It’s time to turn the page and rebuild Britain with Labour.”
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