In a bold move to rejuvenate his election campaign, Rishi Sunak announced the Conservative party’s plan to reintroduce mandatory national service for 18-year-olds. The initiative aims to offer young people the opportunity to develop real-world skills through military training or volunteering in “civil resilience” activities like special constable, RNLI volunteer, or NHS responder.
The proposed scheme, set to launch with a pilot program in 2025, is not conscription but a civic service initiative emphasizing the importance of duty and shared culture. The Tories argue that nurturing these values is crucial for preserving the nation’s security and character for future generations.
On the other hand, Labour criticized the proposal, calling it another uncosted policy from the Tories, questioning their ability to fund the scheme effectively. They accused the Conservatives of expecting young people to fix problems created by the government, including boosting military numbers and supporting essential services.
Despite criticisms, the Tories emphasized the long-term benefits of the scheme, citing Sweden’s successful model of national service. Funding for the initiative would come from a tax avoidance clampdown and funds currently allocated to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.