CONSERVATIVE Party plans to introduce National Service if they win the General Election received mixed responses from candidates and The Mail readers.

The Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the policy, which would be compulsory for 18-year-olds, ahead of the General Election on July 4.

They would complete a 12-month placement in the military or volunteer for a public service in their community such as the NHS for the equivalent of one weekend a month. 

Simon Fell, prospective parliamentary candidate for the Conservatives, called the plans 'bold, but the candidates hoping to unseat him disagreed - and it garnered a largely negative reaction from readers. 

Mr Fell said: "It faces the challenges that our nation will experience over the coming years and gives young people an opportunity to contribute to society and gain skills and opportunities along the way."

The Mail: A National Service poster in Trafalgar Square in 1939. There have been no national servicemen in the UK in over six decadesA National Service poster in Trafalgar Square in 1939. There have been no national servicemen in the UK in over six decades (Image: PA)

He pointed to the National Citizen Service making a 'huge difference to the lives of young people in Furness’ and argued that it works well in other European countries. 

Labour candidate Michelle Scrogham called National Service 'another unfunded commitment' and said that the Conservatives were responsible for shrinking the army to its smallest size since Napoleon. 

"What do I believe that young people want? I don't think for one moment that National Service is the answer," said Green party candidate Lorraine Wrennall, pointing to abolishing university tuition fees and improving the education system and youth services.

READ MORE: Barrow and Furness MP reacts to general election news

Liberal Democrat Adrian Waite called it a 'ridiculous idea' and questioned if the armed forces would want to have an influx of young people not interested in a career in the military. 

 

Reform UK candidate Barry Morgan people who are in the armed forces should be the ones that want to be there. He said: "Rishi's National Service announcement is not thought through, would be immensely costly and counterproductive."

Reader Janet Bury said: "I'm sure the armed services would be horrified to have to train reluctant forced trainees...ridiculous." 

Carolanne McInally said that her son was already helping his country by completing an apprenticeship at BAE and asked :"Why should his career be put on hold? Cost of living these days you have to work stupid hard to save for years to buy a house." 

However Keith Hill said: "Great idea to equip and help our young people learn the basics of life."