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.
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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.
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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.”
