A poll suggests many young people are open to national service. It would require everyone in the UK over 18 to spend a year doing paid military service or working with organisations like the NHS or fi re service. Research company Focaldata also found that 53% of those surveyed saw it as an “opportunity”, while 34% would feel like there was no choice. Member of Parliament Al Carns, a former Royal Marines (navy soldiers) officer, said that service teaches people how to “help in a flood, support a struggling school or keep a community going in a crisis”. Critics argue that the scheme would cost too much and could disrupt young people’s education and careers. What do you think? Should young people do national service?
Yes – it benefits you and wider society
Mandatory national service could help young people develop valuable skills, such as teamwork and problem-solving. In the survey, 73% of employers said they would be more likely to hire someone who had completed a year of national service. Most young people would work with charities, schools and conservation projects. Research suggests that volunteering can build confidence, boost mental health and develop the ability to understand other people’s points of view. Supporters of national service also claim it could help the UK respond to pandemics, extreme weather and other emergencies. They say this could strengthen communities and help protect the country.
No – people should be able to choose
In most areas of life, once someone turns 18, they are free to decide how they spend their time. Mandatory national service could stop young people from travelling, starting university or taking up job opportunities. The scheme would also be expensive. In 2024, critics estimated it would cost around £2.5 billion a year. This money could be better used to improve schools, hospitals or the military. Back in 2024, Lord Alan West, a former head of the Royal Navy, called the idea “bonkers”, telling The Guardian newspaper that money would be “sucked out” of the country’s defence system. Besides, many people feel that national service is something that should be voluntary and not forced on people.
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