Conservatives Propose Revival of Mandatory National Service
The Conservative Party plans to bring back mandatory National Service if they win the general election. This would let 18-year-olds choose between full-time military service or part-time community service. The first participants could start by September 2025, at an annual projected cost of £2.5 billion.
The Conservative Party has announced plans to reinstate mandatory National Service if they win the upcoming general election.
The proposal offers 18-year-olds the choice of a full-time, 12-month placement in the armed forces or UK cyber defence, or a part-time commitment involving one weekend per month or 25 days per year in community service roles.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stated this initiative aims to foster a 'national spirit' and equip young people with practical skills while addressing national security and community needs.
The projected annual cost of this program is £2.5 billion, with the first participants expected by September 2025.
Labour and Liberal Democrat representatives criticized the proposal, citing concerns over funding and recent cuts to military personnel.
The plan would bring the UK in line with several European countries that have conscription.
National Service in the UK ended in 1960, and current British Army personnel numbers have decreased from over 100,000 in 2010 to approximately 73,000 as of January 2024.
The proposal offers 18-year-olds the choice of a full-time, 12-month placement in the armed forces or UK cyber defence, or a part-time commitment involving one weekend per month or 25 days per year in community service roles.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stated this initiative aims to foster a 'national spirit' and equip young people with practical skills while addressing national security and community needs.
The projected annual cost of this program is £2.5 billion, with the first participants expected by September 2025.
Labour and Liberal Democrat representatives criticized the proposal, citing concerns over funding and recent cuts to military personnel.
The plan would bring the UK in line with several European countries that have conscription.
National Service in the UK ended in 1960, and current British Army personnel numbers have decreased from over 100,000 in 2010 to approximately 73,000 as of January 2024.
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