With the UK's election campaign underway after the announcement by the prime minister of a 4 July date for voting, the proposal by the Tories to introduce National Service has drawn widespread comment and garnered headlines – as this political ploy and troubling pronouncement should.
“Every 18-year-old will be required by law to sign up for a year of National Service under plans unveiled by the Conservatives this weekend,” reportsThe Sunday Times. “Rishi Sunak’s first manifesto commitment would see youngsters given the choice between a full-time course or spending one weekend a month volunteering in their community.”
The Times explains that “there will be sanctions for teenagers who do not take part”, while up to 30,000 full-time positions will be created either in the armed forces or in cybersecurity training, alongside weekend placements that could be with the fire or police services, the NHS or “charities tackling loneliness and supporting older, isolated people”.
