Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies has welcomed the Conservatives’ new mandatory National Service for every 18-year-old, giving young people the opportunities they deserve to secure a brighter future amidst a more uncertain world.
By introducing a bold new model of mandatory National Service, every 18-year-old will either spend a full year in a competitive, full-time military placement or UK cyber defence, or spend the equivalent of one weekend a month (25 days a year) volunteering in a civic role. Individuals will be able to choose between roles in our communities, including in local infrastructure, the NHS, and the RNLI.
This will give young people across the country the opportunities they deserve to gain the valuable life skills they need, making our country more secure and building a stronger national culture.
This will be funded through the Conservatives’ clear plan to raise an additional £6 billion a year by the end of the next Parliament from cracking down on tax avoidance and evasion, of which £1 billion will be allocated to the National Service, in addition to the remaining £1.5 billion previously used for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
This is on top of the Conservatives’ bold action to increase defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2030, the biggest strengthening of our national defence in a generation, maintaining our leading position in NATO and supporting our Armed Forces.
James said:
“We have so much to proud of in Britain but, one of the problems we face is that too many young people don’t get the opportunities they deserve.
“That is why I welcome our new National Service model which will provide young people across the Vale of Clwyd with a choice to serve in our world-leading Armed Forces or volunteer for our community, so they can contribute to their country whilst gaining the valuable skills they need for a brighter future.
“Only the Conservatives can be trusted with the future of our young people and our country. Labour would take us back to square one, placing both at risk.”
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:
“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.
“I have a clear plan to address this and secure our future. I will bring in a new model of National Service to create a shared sense of purpose among our young people and a renewed sense of pride in our country.
“This new, mandatory National Service will provide life-changing opportunities for our young people, offering them the chance to learn real world skills, do new things and contribute to their community and our country.”
