Teenagers won’t face jail time for refusing to participate in the Tories’ proposed “mandatory” national service, according to James Cleverly.
The Home Secretary assured that there would be no criminal repercussions for young people who choose not to comply with the plans under a Conservative government.
In a bold move ahead of the General Election, Rishi Sunak announced that 18-year-olds would be required to either join the military for a year or engage in “volunteer” work one weekend a month for a year.
The Prime Minister emphasized that this policy aims to bring society together in an uncertain world and instill a sense of purpose among young people.
The Conservatives highlighted that volunteering could involve assisting local emergency services, charities, and supporting the elderly to appeal to older voters and counter Reform UK.
Cleverly reassured the public that the scheme would be flexible to accommodate different attitudes and aspirations, emphasizing that no one would face criminal charges for not participating.
The opposition criticized the plans as unserious, with Labour dismissing it as another unfunded commitment that would never come to fruition.
The Prime Minister is drawing a clear distinction from Sir Keir Starmer’s party on global security, with a focus on increasing defense spending.
The Tories plan to establish a royal commission to develop the details of the national service program and aim to make it compulsory by the end of the next Parliament.
Funding for the program is estimated to be £2.5bn a year, with measures in place to crack down on tax avoidance and evasion to cover costs.
Boris Johnson expressed his commitment to providing young people with life-changing opportunities through the new national service program, emphasizing the importance of creating a shared sense of purpose and pride in the country.
Sunak’s announcement marks the first major policy reveal ahead of the General Election, with campaigning efforts in full swing across the country.