Sunak pledges to reinstate mandatory national service for 18-year-olds

Moving forward with the Tories’ proposal to reinstate national service, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced that 18-year-olds will spend a year in the military or engage in weekend volunteer work.

This announcement is the first substantial policy declaration from either side leading up to the upcoming General Election on July 4.

With debates resurfacing across Europe on conscription due to ongoing conflicts in regions like Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as tensions in the Taiwan Strait, the pledge aims to foster unity in society in an uncertain world and provide young people with a collective purpose.

According to the Conservative Party, teenagers can join the military for exposure to logistics, cyber security, procurement, or civil response tasks. Alternatively, they can choose to volunteer with local emergency services like fire and police departments, the NHS, or charities supporting the elderly and isolated individuals for one weekend each month.

The Tories plan to establish a royal commission to design a proposal for the first pilot, opening for applications in September 2025. They also aim to introduce a new “National Service Act” to make participation compulsory by the end of the next Parliament, without criminal penalties for non-participants.

In a video shared on X, previously Twitter, Sunak expressed concern about the country facing a more precarious and divided future, threatening democratic values. He believes that mandatory service will equip young people with essential skills, enhancing national security and fostering a stronger cultural identity.

Citing Sweden, where 80% of completed national service participants recommend it to others, Sunak emphasizes the benefits of such a policy both for the country and its youth.

Home Secretary James Cleverly clarified that the service scheme would accommodate varied attitudes and aspirations without punitive measures for non-participation.

The estimated annual cost of the program by the end of the decade is £2.5 billion, with £1 billion funding allocated to combat tax avoidance and evasion. The remaining £1.5 billion will be covered by reallocating funds from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to support charities and community groups.

Pushing this campaign pledge, Sunak criticized the Labour Party for lacking a solid plan and failing to take decisive action for a more secure future, urging voters to opt for the Tory proposal.

In response, a Labour spokesperson criticized the Conservative Party for military cuts and advocated for a rebuild under Labour leadership.

Liberal Democrat defence spokesperson Richard Foord MP echoed concerns over defense cuts by the Tories, suggesting that focusing on restoring troop numbers would be a more effective use of funds.

PA Media contributed to this report.