NATIONAL Service would instil a sense of duty in young Brits of the future, Veterans Minister Johnny Mercer said yesterday.
The former Royal Artillery captain told The Sun the Tories’ proposal was “clear, definitive and bold” — and could become an election game-changer.
And in a dig at critics, he said: “Joining the Army was the best thing I ever did. The best thing you can ever do is join up and serve.”
Under the plan, which ignited the Tories’ election campaign, all 18-year-olds could choose either a full-time year-long placement in the Armed Forces, or a weekend a month of serving with the NHS, police, community groups or a charity.
It would be compulsory but there would be no criminal charges for those who do not sign up.
Those who do may get fast-tracked for interviews at major employers, the public sector and universities.
PM Rishi Sunak said the party would look into ways the scheme could “open doors”.
A Royal Commission will assess how it would work.
Plymouth MP Mr Mercer said the plan would give people a better understanding of the importance of the Armed Forces.
He said: “I thought when I was fighting in Afghanistan, I came back to a country that had no idea or interest in what you were doing. I think that idea of bringing in a sense of service is incredibly important to society.”
He also blasted critics of the scheme, such as the BBC.
He said: “It doesn’t chime with the experiences of ordinary hard-working people who are quite excited the government is committed to creating opportunities for young people and driving up their sense of service, values and commitment.”
Home Secretary James Cleverly said there was “wide-scale take-up and enthusiasm” for similar schemes in other countries, notably in the Baltic and Scandinavia.
He said: “We want to make this compelling and make sure that it fits with people’s aptitudes and aspirations.”
Brendan Cox, the widow of Labour MP Jo Cox, who was assassinated in 2016, also backed the idea.
He said: “It’s not a silver bullet but National Service brings people together, breaks down divides and can kick-start a lifetime of service.”
By Mike Mogride, 90
I WAS called up to join the 1st Battalion Royal Fusiliers infantry regiment when I was 18.
In 1953, after a year of training, I was deployed to Korea as a Bren Gunner, where I participated in the third Battle of the Hook alongside Sir Michael Caine.
I’m proud of my role in helping to protect South Koreans from tyranny.
After two years of National Service, I was a changed man.
I learned life-long skills and discipline that shaped my future.
You may just do National service for a few years, but the life skills will last with you forever.
Quote of the day: ‘We certainly won’t be increasing income tax’ – Rachel Reeves confirms recent NICS cuts are safe
Winner of the day: Home Secretary James Cleverly being interrupted in a radio interview and telling a veteran presenter: “You don’t get to do that, mate.”
Loser of the day: Labour’s David Lammy, who has long called for a “compulsory national civic service”, now has to fight against the Tory version.
Election whisper: BBC bosses were red-faced after organising a brunch for MPs at Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Luton and nobody turned up.
