British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak spoke during a meeting with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer at the Ballhausplatz, the Federal Chancellery, during a visit to Austria. Image date: Tuesday, May 21, 2024.
Jordan Pettit | Reuters
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said on Sunday that the British Conservative Party would make compulsory military service, including military or community participation, for 18-year-olds if it wins the July 4 national election.
Sunak said young people could choose to volunteer for one weekend a month for a year, or serve in the armed forces for a year in one of 30,000 places.
It comes after Labor leader Keir Starmer made comments on Saturday that he supported allowing 16 and 17-year-olds to vote.
Sunak’s Conservatives trail Labor significantly in opinion polls, which show little change in the Prime Minister’s fortunes since a surprise election was called last Wednesday.
Sunak said in a statement: “Today’s Britain faces a more dangerous and divided future. There is no doubt that our democratic values are under threat. That is why we will introduce a bold new way for 18-year-olds National service model.
The Conservatives said the proposal would be funded by a crackdown on tax avoidance and evasion, as well as transfers from the UK’s Shared Prosperity Fund, which exists to reduce regional economic inequality.
Labor politicians scoffed at the announcement.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said: “We need young people to serve their country by voting for change on July 4th.”
Home Secretary James Cleverly told broadcasters there would be no criminal sanctions for failing to perform mandatory services, but people would be forced to do so, without providing further details.
Asked by the BBC whether forcing adults to volunteer was at odds with the Conservative Party’s liberal heritage, Cleverley said: “We’ve always forced people to do things.”
He cited compulsory education or training for teenagers under the age of 18 as an example.
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