National Service if Tories are re-elected

[MaryMaryVeryContrary]

Thoughts? 🍿

He's simply saying it to bring all the Reform voting right wingers back into the fold. Since he's very unlikely to win there is no risk of him having to actually put his plan into action.

Has this been discussed and agreed with the armed forces and other public services?

Who is going to manage a bunch of disinterested teenagers given that staff are already stretched? Is this a plan to get free public sector workforce so they can say they’ve increased the workforce by x? Are our teens going to be paid for this? How will it work alongside university commitments given that most 18 year olds need to work alongside their degree already to make ends meet and some universities don’t even allow working in term time? Or is it another bizarre act of self sabotage as the majority of parents of under 18s go fuck that?

There are 2 things that are compulsory:

1. Either Forces for a year
2. Or 25 days volunteering a year - but that seems very badly thought out when asked

You're talking about quite a small group here. People who actively engage with the process enough to conscientously object, and who also need the financial support of the state. There are lots of ways to refuse cooperation that wouldn't involve either.

I can see that those who are reliant on the state for money would be easier to control. That's some 18 year olds. It's not all. What do you think could be done about those who piss off abroad, who have access to other forms of financial support, or who simply don't cooperate and see how the inefficiencies of the system protect them?

It’s a completely unworkable idea. The army doesn’t want it. And who does want a bunch of 18 year olds turning up once a month to ‘help’. I do actually think a lot of
disadvantaged young people could really benefit from some access to quality work experience and mentoring, the opportunity to gain some skills and build a network. But this isn’t that.

So not voluntary if they have to choose one or the other then, from two shit options.

We seem to have 2.5 billion to flush down the loo on this desperate empty ideology though?

Everyone knows I am a vocal conservative supporter on here.

I can only imagine someone in Sunak’s close circle absolutely hates him and is literally setting him up to fail in the most humiliating way: standing there soaked announcing an election, the titanic visit and now this obviously ridiculous, stupid idea

OR

Rishi has had enough and is sabotaging his own chances.

Because so far ‘the campaign’ looks like a total and utter farce, and it might be easier just to drop the keys over to Starmer for number 10 rather than endure the charade and cost of an election!

I wonder at this point if they are just enjoying themselves, tomorrow Rishi will be strapped to a giant dildo or something.

I am sure the "uniformed organisations" and charities will have their views.

25 days volunteering in a year is a massive undertaking - for the person and the organisation.

It doesn't just happen.

Do you think my 93 year old aunt should do it when you say everyone? Or my 71 year old FIL ? Perhaps they should be put through medicals so they can be excluded? What about my 4 year old DS2? Surely you would be drawing a line somewhere with ages?

Because that's what we assume they will do..and to assume makes as ass out of u and me! So we run down our army and defences and spend money on huge aircraft carriers for wars in the Pacific rather than at home. And spend money on cybersecurity. None of which would be any use at all if Russia walks in down the channel tunnel. I mean, I get its not looking imminent at the moment but I'd prefer us to have some sort of physical defence. Anyway neither of us can predict the future so let's hope you are right (apart from the nasty cyber stuff) and I am wrong.

I think people have to look at was actually reported. It is civic or military. The military ones in scadanavia are really competitive to get into. So no not every kid will be getting military training. Most kids will be doing something to be helpful to their communities. I don’t see why anyone would object to their child giving it a go? I’d be encouraging DD, she could learn new skills, meet people she wouldn’t otherwise meet etc.

We really are in the pits if a bit of weekend community work is horrifying so many parents.

So why didn't you do it when you were within the age limit, if you wanted to so much? Did your parents keep you captive from the age of 15 till whatever age you are now?

This is sadly true.My son was self harming and voicing a desire to die due to grappling with his SEN but he had not made a credible suicide attempt so no support from CAHMS but we were told to be on alert as parents as repeated expressed desire to take ones live etc….He’s in a better place now at life skills. However the stress as a parent is immense,

Can you think of any logistical difficulties and practical issues in telling ALL 18 year olds they HAVE to do 25 days volunteering a year for specific organisations?

I can think of loads

If it was implemented properly - with a choice of things to do (and I’m not saying I trust the current lot to do this) - anyone refusing should frankly be denied any benefits. What I’m taking away from this thread alongside valid criticisms of the scheme is, ‘why should I or my kids do ANYTHING we don’t want to?? It’s outrageous! Now give us services for free’

Since when did privately educated people not do any volunteering work?

Once we stop being ruled by a bunch of self-serving wankers at the behest of the 1%, then I'll start thinking whether there is anything I and my kids can do for our country.

If they want national pride, they have to have a country to be proud of first.

I encourage my kids to volunteer. I object to this scheme as it’s badly thought through, achieves nothing but a monumental waste of funding, and plays into an ideology I disagree with.

The possibility of Russia or China invading France to get access to the Channel Tunnel, quickly and successfully enough for us not to have time to blow it up before they get to us, is sufficiently remote that it doesn't need to be prepared for. We do not have the resources to try and guard against every batshit scenario anyone feverishly dreams up.

We need to focus on the actual risks. That's not one of them.

Russia is just across a pond from Finland it would not take much. Who knows what Russia could or would do they are chucking 40% of their economy at this war and being funded by trade with China.

If you were in hospital, would you want to be looked after by a conscripted 18 year old who is already tired after a full week's work?

Give us services for free?

Er, we pay for services with our taxes.

Ok, but that should include people of all ages. Anyone refusing to get involved should be denied benefits, including the state pension. Perhaps with an exemption for those few who did national service last time round.

My children already volunteer at the foodbank. They choose to do this, it’s very empowering but not as a mandatory requirement demanded by the government. It just smacks of free labour rather than anything altruistic. I say that as a conservative.