UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has sparked a nationwide debate by pledging to reintroduce mandatory national service if the Conservative Party wins the upcoming election on July 4. Under the proposal, 18-year-olds will have the option to join the armed forces or volunteer in their community, with the aim of fostering a sense of purpose and pride among young people.
How does national service work?
The proposed scheme allows young adults to choose between military training or civil service. Only a select group of 18-year-olds would opt for military placements in areas like logistics and cybersecurity. Those who decline may face noncriminal sanctions, with details yet to be finalized.
Do other countries have similar schemes?
While many countries have mandatory military service, conscription has been phased out in several European nations. The US maintains a draft system, and France recently introduced a voluntary military service to promote civic duty.
What is the controversy around the proposal?
The national service proposal has divided opinions, with supporters praising it for fostering societal cohesion and critics questioning its feasibility and funding. Opposition parties have raised concerns about the impact on the economy and emphasized the need for investment in other sectors.