Tories Promise to Reinstate National Service for 18-year-olds if Elected

Tory Proposal:

Tory Prime Minister Rishi Sunak vows to bring back compulsory National Service if they win the election, with every 18-year-old man and woman expected to serve. The proposed scheme includes a choice between a full-time placement in the Armed Forces or volunteering with charities and civic groups on weekends.

Reasoning Behind the Plan:

According to Sunak, the move aims to create a shared sense of purpose among young people and a renewed sense of pride in the country. The decision comes as the PM warns of an increasingly dangerous world and a shrinking army size compared to 200 years ago.

Support for the Initiative:

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps views Britain as being in a "pre-war world" and believes the country must prepare for potential conflicts. Home Secretary James Cleverly lauds the plan for its potential to protect the nation, train young individuals, and instill a new sense of patriotism and civic pride.

Implementation Details:

The new version of National Service would involve a Royal Commission to oversee its rollout, with costs estimated at £2.5 billion a year. The scheme is expected to be funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and measures to tackle tax avoidance.

Historical Context and International Examples:

National Service was first introduced in 1947 post-World War II and was scrapped in 1960. Countries like Sweden, Switzerland, and Israel already have similar programs, while France's President Macron plans to reinstate National Service. The proposed Tory plan would see the first pilot applications open in September 2025.

Response and Political Landscape:

The move comes amidst Labour's lead in the polls, with the Tories aiming to shift the focus to national security and defense. Sunak also pledges to increase defense spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2030, contrasting Labour's stance of reaching the same target only when financially viable.