RISHI Sunak has announced plans to introduce mandatory National Service for 18-year-olds if the Conservatives win the next General Election.
Here is everything you need to know about the possible legislation.
Is National Service coming back?
The Conservatives plan to introduce twelve months of mandatory National Service.
It would mean that eighteen-year-olds could apply for full-time military placements or volunteer one weekend a month for community service.
The Conservatives want the first teenagers to participate in a pilot from September 2025.
The armed forces placements would allow young people to gain experience in cyber security, logistics, procurement, or civil response operations.
Those who decide to do non-military volunteering would spend 25 days a year with organisations such as the fire service, police, and NHS.
What has Rishi Sunak said about National Service?
Rishi Sunak stated the action would help foster the “national spirit” that emerged during the pandemic.
Mr 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.
“I will bring in a new model of national service to create a shared sense of purpose among our young people and a renewed sense of pride in our country.”
He added that the move would help young people learn “real world skills, do new things and contribute to their community and our country”.
Who will take up national service?
While details are unclear, Mr Sunak has announced that both male and female 18-year-olds would be made to do National Service.
They have also confirmed that royal children would be expected to take part.
When National Service was in place after the Second World War, it covered “able-bodied men” and excluded people with mental illness.
It is not clear whether similar rules would apply under the new proposal.
While it will be made compulsory, people who refuse to take part will not end up in jail.
This election will take place at a time when the world is more dangerous than it has been since the end of the Cold War
Rishi Sunak
Home Secretary James Cleverly told Sky News: “There’s going to be no criminal sanctions.
“Nobody will be compelled to do the military element.”
The Conservatives have yet to clarify how they would mandate teenagers to participate.
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When is the next election?
Rishi Sunak called a General Election for Thursday, July 4, 2024.
Speaking from Downing St, Mr Sunak said: “The last five years have been the most challenging times since the Second World War.
“Now is the moment to choose to decide whether we want to build on the progress we have made, or risk going back to square one with no plan and no certainty.”
The PM added: “I spoke with His Majesty the King to request the dissolution of Parliament.
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“The King has granted this request, and we will have a general election on July 4.
“This election will take place at a time when the world is more dangerous than it has been since the end of the Cold War.”
To vote in the General Election you must:
- be registered to vote
- be 18 or over on the day of the election (“polling day”)
- be a British, Irish or Commonwealth citizen
- be resident at an address in the UK (or a British citizen living abroad who has been registered to vote in the UK in the last 15 years)
- not be legally excluded from voting
