The Home Secretary said the plans were aimed at getting young people 'out of their bubble' and would not involve the threat of criminal sanctions for those who refuse to comply
There's no risk of gaol time for teenagers who defy the Tories' proposed "mandatory" national service scheme, according to MP James Cleverly. His comments followed Labour describing the policy as a simple "gimmick".
Keen to appeal to an older voter base and possibly attract supporters of Reform UK, the Conservatives stated that volunteer duties may include working alongside local fire departments, the police force, NHS services and charities aimed at combating loneliness and assisting elderly citizens. Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall slammed the proposal, stating: "This is an unfunded commitment, a headline-grabbing gimmick, it is not a proper plan to deliver it, it doesn't deal with the big challenges facing young people who are desperate to get the skills and qualifications they need to get good jobs, to have a home they can call their own."
Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.
Following this, it plans to introduce a "National Service Act", which will make the measures compulsory by the end of the next Parliament, according to the party. The Prime Minister commented: "This is a great country but generations of young people have not had the opportunities or experience they deserve and there are forces trying to divide our society in this increasingly uncertain world."
In a written statement to Parliament, the MP stated that forcing "potentially unwilling" recruits to serve could harm morale among regular armed forces personnel. Unlike the proposed scheme, Lord Cameron's programme had no military aspect and instead focused on engaging young people in activities such as outdoor education courses, aligning with his "Big Society" vision.
Labour Party Liberal Democrat Party David Cameron General Election Taxes
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Teens won't be jailed for refusing Tory proposed mandatory national service, Cleverly saysThe Prime Minister said Britain has ‘generations of young people who have not had the opportunities they deserve’ as he announced the plans.
Read more »
James Cleverly: Teenagers will not be jailed for refusing conscriptionTHE UK Government would not send teenagers to jail for defying the Tories’ proposed “mandatory” national service scheme, Home Secretary…
Read more »
James Cleverly says National Service is 'compulsory' but those who refuse will not receive 'criminal...James Cleverly has said a proposed new National Service for 18-year-olds is 'compulsory' but those who refuse will not receive 'criminal sanctions'.
Read more »
No Jail For 18-Year-Olds Who Refuse National Service, Says James CleverlyNed Simons is politics news editor for HuffPost UK based in London. He can be reached by email at ned.simonshuffpost.com or on Twitter nedsimons.
Read more »
General election latest: Home Secretary James Cleverly to face questions on National Service pledgeJames Cleverly will be asked about the government's National Service plan on Sky News. Reform's Nigel Farage will also have to explain his decision not to run in the election. While Labour's Liz Kendall will also appear after the party appeared to commit to lowering the voting age.
Read more »
James Cleverly challenged on visas for Scottish university graduatesTHE Home Secretary has been asked to consider a separate graduate visa for students at Scottish universities after evidence suggested that Tory…
Read more »