National Service. You know you’re onto a winner when your opponents mischaracterise your ideas. “Dad’s Army for teenagers” I think was how Sir Kier described it. He either hasn’t read up on it, or he is trying to divert attention.
To be honest, when I first heard the headline Compulsory Conscription, I was worried. What parent of a child that could be conscripted wouldn’t be? But looking through the detail, it is not what it is being described at. So, let’s bust some myths.
Around 600,000 teenagers turn 18 each year. Of these, 30,000 are being offered to apply for what is expected to be a highly competitive option for a full-time, paid, 12-month commission in the UK armed forces or cyber defence. Successful applicants will take part in logistics, cyber security, procurement, or civil response operations. The remaining 95% will be required to volunteer in a civic role, for one weekend every month. Options will be activities like supporting the NHS, supporting and preparing communities for natural problems, helping support fire services, or the Red Cross. And to deliver it? We are setting up a Royal Commission to design the process.
One thing that I have learned since being an MP is that the UK is packed with optimistic volunteers. From members of the village green preservation society, through scout groups, up to NHS A+E departments, volunteers are a huge part of the fabric of our society. So why wouldn’t we help youngsters, as part of their growing up, to open doors on this area. After all, they already have scouts, and Duke of Edinburgh awards.
Of course, there are questions. Of course, there may be exceptions. And these will be answered by the Royal Commission. But let’s be optimistic about an idea that helps youngsters mature into our wider civil society
