Digital Editor Halima Ahad reports on Sunak Claiming ‘National Service Will Keep Kids Out of Trouble’
Rishi Sunak recently announced a plan, set to come into effect if he wins the upcoming election, which requires teenagers (aged 18 and older) to take part in local community service or engage in a full-time role in the armed and military services. However, he has faced numerous criticisms from Tory ministers and the public alike.
At a Stoke-on-Trent campaign event, the PM was questioned about this prospective plan and whether it could potentially be broadened to include ex-convicts who might benefit from national service, despite current restrictions. Sunak replied by saying it would be ‘transformational’ for teenagers, providing ‘some structure [and] rules.’
If Sunak wins the July election, the plan could come into full enforcement by 2029-30. It would see all 18-year-olds legally required to take up a 12-month placement in the Armed Forces or cyber defence, or give the equivalent of one weekend a month to voluntary community service.
Labour’s Keir Starmer heavily condemned the plan, calling it a ‘teenage Dad’s Army.’
However, many criticisms have emerged from Sunak’s own party as well as his political opponents. This includes Northern Ireland Minister Steve Baker, who publicly criticised the plan for being suddenly ‘sprung’ on the Tories and hinted at his unease. Additionally, Labour’s Keir Starmer heavily condemned the plan, calling it a ‘teenage Dad’s Army.’
Public speculation has also raised questions about whether parents and their children would be punished if they decide not to participate in this new initiative. However, Tory ministers have reassured the public that this would not happen, including Home Secretary James Cleverly, who said, ‘There’s going to be no criminal sanctions, nobody’s going to jail over this.’
The details will be finalized and put into concrete terms following a Royal Commission that will investigate the benefits for those who will engage with the initiative and the sanctions for those who will not, ministers say.
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