Rishi Sunak Questioned on National Service Plan

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak faced a tough question from 16-year-old Henry Hassell during a pub visit in west Devon. The national service plan mandating military or volunteer roles for 18-year-olds was at the center of the debate. Critics, including Labour and the Institute for Fiscal Studies, warn it could harm the economy and impoverished areas.

During a campaign visit to a pub in west Devon, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was confronted by 16-year-old Henry Hassell, who questioned him on a proposed national service plan.

Hassell, who shared the interaction on TikTok, asked Sunak why he 'hates young people so much' in light of the plan to mandate military service or volunteer roles for 18-year-olds.

Sunak responded, assuring there would be choices available and promoting a culture of service.

The Institute for Fiscal Studies has warned that this policy could negatively impact the UK's poorest areas.

Labour has criticized the proposal as uncosted and potentially harmful to the economy.