Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has proposed a National Service scheme for young people in the UK as part of his Conservative government’s manifesto ahead of the general election on July 4. The scheme would apply to 18-year-olds and includes two options: full-time military service for one year or community volunteering for one weekend a month over a year.
Military service would involve 30,000 teenagers working in non-combat roles such as logistics, cyber security, and civil response operations. Community volunteering would see participants working with local organizations like the police, fire department, NHS, and charities. Exemptions have not been detailed, but royal children will be expected to participate. Women are also included in the scheme.
Home Secretary James Cleverly emphasized that there will be no criminal penalties for non-participation, though Foreign Office minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan suggested fines for parents might be possible. Some Conservative party members and others have criticized the plan, while others have supported it as a means to promote service and community cohesion.