Rishi Sunak vows to reinstate national service for 18-year-olds
Labour strongly criticizes the youth policy, labeling it as "desperate and unfunded," and accuses it of placing the burden on youngsters to solve problems created by the government.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced his plan to bring back mandatory national service for 18-year-olds if the Conservative Party wins the upcoming general election on July 4.
This proposal, disclosed as Sunak’s first major announcement in the lead-up to the election, seeks to offer young people advanced opportunities while instilling a revived sense of national pride and unity.
Under the proposed scheme, 18-year-olds would have to choose between a full-year placement in the armed forces or cyber defense, or volunteering in their community one weekend per month for a year. The idea is to prepare them with valuable skills and experiences while promoting a sense of shared purpose.
Sunak said, “This is a great country but generations of young people have not had the opportunities or experience they deserve and there are forces trying to divide our society in this increasingly uncertain world.”
The Conservatives plan to set up a Royal Commission to govern the pilot program applications starting in September 2025, aiming to pass the National Service Act by the end of the next Parliament.
The scheme is expected to cost £2.5 billion annually by 2030, sponsored through tax crackdowns and existing resources. The proposal has sparked debate. Labour has criticized it as an unfunded commitment. “This is not a plan, it’s a review which could cost billions and is only needed because the Tories hollowed out the armed forces to their smallest size since Napoleon,” a Labour spokesperson stated.
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps highlighted the need for such a program in today’s volatile world. “Britain is in a pre-war world and must be prepared for conflicts involving Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea,” he commented.
Home Secretary James added that national service would renew the “Blitz Spirit” seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, fostering civic pride and unity.
Critics argue that previous cuts to the armed forces have left the UK unprepared for high-intensity conflicts. Army personnel numbers have fallen significantly, from 109,600 in 2000 to 76,950 last year, with similar reductions in the navy and RAF.
Despite the controversy, the recommended plan draws on models from countries like Israel, South Korea, and Singapore, which have mandatory national service. Sweden, Switzerland, and Israel already have such programs, and France is considering restoring its own.
The proposal comes at a critical time for the Conservatives, who are trailing behind Labour in the polls. Sunak’s initiative is seen as an effort to shift the election focus to national security and patriotism, areas where the Tories believe they can outperform Labour.
The first pilot for the new national service program is set to open in September 2025, with full implementation aimed for 2029-30. While those who refuse to participate will not face criminal penalties, the program aims to provide young people with essential life skills and work experience, potentially steering at-risk youth away from unemployment and crime.
As the UK faces mounting global uncertainties, the suggested national service seeks to prepare the younger generation for the challenges ahead. “I have a clear plan to address this and secure our future,” Sunak said, promising a renewed sense of purpose and pride for Britain’s youth.
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