LONDON HOME SECRETARY PROPOSES MANDATORY NATIONAL SERVICE FOR 18-YEAR-OLDS
LONDON — Home Secretary James Cleverly has ignited controversy with his bold suggestion of implementing mandatory national service for all 18-year-olds, a plan he believes will help reintegrate young individuals back into society.
During an appearance on the BBC’s “Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg” program, Cleverly unveiled the initiative as a strategy to combat societal division by exposing youths to a variety of social, economic, and religious backgrounds.
If the Conservatives secure victory in the upcoming general election, the proposal would mandate young adults to participate in either military or non-military service.
The program includes 30,000 exclusive placements in military positions like cyber security and logistics, spanning a full year for the most promising individuals. Others would be involved in non-military organizations such as the NHS or the police for 25 days throughout the year.
Cleverly made it clear that there would be no legal repercussions for those who choose not to participate, stating, “There’s going to be no criminal sanction – There’s no one going to jail over this.”
However, the idea has been met with skepticism and backlash from opposition parties. Labour’s shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves dismissed it as “another gimmick” lacking realistic funding, accusing the Tories of diverting funds from the levelling up budget to support the program.
Reform UK’s honorary president Nigel Farage branded the plan as “a joke” and “completely impractical,” criticizing the Conservative leadership for their approach.
The Liberal Democrats and SNP also voiced disapproval, arguing that the plan is an ill-conceived attempt to address broader issues without adequate resources. Conversely, the Scottish Conservatives expressed support for the initiative, citing successful similar systems in Scandinavian countries.
Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer questioned the relevance and effectiveness of the scheme, advocating for solutions that cater to young people’s needs for affordable housing, education, and well-paying jobs. — BBC
