Compulsory National Service proposals divide Watford opinion

Ahead of the July 4 general election, Rishi Sunak outlined proposals to make young people complete a year in the military or volunteer in the community for one weekend a month for a year.

The volunteers would join organisations like the NHS and ambulance service, while 30,000 teens would work in the armed forces in areas such as logistics, cyber security, and procurement.

Some Watford Observer readers backed the plans as one resident argued it would give young people a "sense of purpose", while another said it could help teenagers who are not signed up for university or an apprenticeship.

The Conservatives have announced plans to introduce compulsory national service or community volunteering for 18-year-olds. (Image: Andrew Goldman)

Others were on the fence as they said the volunteering plans were a "very good idea", but disagreed with the idea of compulsory national service. 

However, some readers disagreed as they branded the plans “ridiculous” or “ill thought out and unlikely to work”.

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Several said their children already volunteer in their free time on top of their jobs, as one mum said she was “sick and tired” of young people being stereotyped as lazy.

Some also questioned whether the military would want the “reluctant conscripts” and what benefit it would actually provide the armed forces to train young people for a year before they leave.

Watford's Conservative candidate Dean Russell said the volunteering scheme would give young people “real world skills” and would benefit the community.

He added: “I was pleased to see NHS volunteering included as this was something I proposed with an NHS Cadet Scheme a few years ago at PMQs.”

Dean Russell said he was pleased to see NHS volunteering included in the plans.

Labour parliamentary candidate Matt Turmaine called it an “impractical bodge-job”, adding: “There’s been a barrage of criticism from the military and it’s been branded ‘bonkers’. 

“The Tories have cut Britain’s armed forces, and teenagers taking some pot shots at weekends isn’t fixing the problem. The money could be far better spent.”

Labour candidate Matt Turmaine called the policy an impractical bodge-job by PM Rishi Sunak. (Image: Watford Labour)

Liberal Democrat candidate Ian Stotesbury labelled it an “unserious, panic” policy.

“This government has ignored the funding crisis in our schools and has the gall to talk about skills," he said. 

Lib Dem candidate Ian Stotesbury branded the idea an “unserious, panic” policy. “They have attacked our institutions and talk about service. We have many amazing charities that should be supported and promoted, not our young people drafted and forced.”