Sunak Proposes National Service to Curb Youth Troubles Amid Parental Concerns and Political Skepticism

Sunak asserts national service can prevent youth misbehavior

Rishi Sunak expressed concerns from parents about their children's activities during weekends and evenings, stating that national service would offer "discipline and organization."

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Tuesday, May 28, 2024, 1:

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Rishi Sunak has claimed that national service could help "prevent youth misbehavior," and many parents are "concerned" about their children's activities during weekends.

The proposal, which has been met with disapproval from several Conservative ministers, suggests offering 18-year-olds either a year-long, full-time military position or the option to volunteer part-time for one weekend each month over the course of a year.

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During a political rally in Stoke-on-Trent, a mother of two who supports the initiative questioned the prime minister about expanding the policy to encompass former prisoners, highlighting how they could gain from the discipline and organization that national service offers.

Mr. Sunak avoided a direct response to the inquiry, instead stating that it would be a "transformative" experience for teenagers, equipping them with "skills and opportunities" along with "some structure, some rules."

The Conservative party leader stated, "I believe it would be incredibly beneficial for the youth to experience this significant milestone, which offers valuable lessons and helps keep them on the right path."

"I've spoken with numerous parents who are concerned about their children's activities during the evenings and weekends.

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"I believe this is going to be fantastic for the youth, and equally beneficial for our nation as a whole."

Under the proposed strategy, which will be implemented by the 2029-30 timeframe assuming Mr. Sunak secures victory in the elections, it will become mandatory for all 18-year-olds to engage in a year-long enlistment in either the Armed Forces or cyber defense. Alternatively, they must dedicate one weekend each month to community service.

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The policy, valued at £2.5 billion, marked the initial significant declaration of his campaign, yet it faced criticism and mockery from members of his own party as well as the opposition.

Northern Ireland Minister Steve Baker, presently vacationing in Greece, openly expressed his criticism regarding the abrupt introduction of the policy to Conservative candidates, suggesting discomfort with the concept.

"He emphasized that historical evidence consistently supports the idea that freedom guided by law, rather than coercion and regulation, is the most reliable path to peace and wealth."

There are also concerns about the practical implementation of the plan and whether there would be consequences for parents or children who choose not to participate.

Discover More: What exactly is the Conservative strategy for national service, and are there any exceptions? Which nations have already adopted national service policies? Critics label the commitment to national service as 'profoundly cynical'.

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Speaking to Sky News, Home Secretary James Cleverly stated, "there will be no criminal penalties, and no one will be incarcerated for this."

Foreign Office Minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan hinted at the possibility of imposing fines on parents, drawing a parallel between the mandatory aspect of national service and the obligation for youth to remain in school until the age of 18.

On Tuesday morning, the Secretary of Work and Pensions, Mel Stride, indicated that this would not happen.

When questioned on LBC about potential penalties for parents, he stated: "Obviously none, since this concerns an adult who is 18 years old and it is their responsibility to participate in the program."

Ministers have stated that a Royal Commission will soon determine the specifics of the incentives for participation and the penalties for non-compliance.

Labour has criticized the proposals, with Sir Keir Starmer likening them to a "teenage Dad's Army."

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