The Advertiser found out what people think of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's idea to bring national service back
In its weekly voxpop, the Advertiser found out what people think of the Prime Minister's intention of bringing national service back.
The Conservative leader, Rishi Sunak has announced that if he wins the General Elections on July 4, it will be mandatory for 18-year-olds to take part in a scheme involving military or civilian service.
The plan would see 18-year-olds have the choice of either a full-time military placement for 12 months or a scheme to volunteer the equivalent of one weekend a month for a year.
Rishi Sunak claimed that the national service will “keep kids out of trouble” and people across Newark shared the same opinion, some saying that they need something to spend time on but other debating either it should be mandatory or not.
“Actually I am of two minds. If I had sons of 18 years of age I would say I don’t want it because they would have been well brought up and not be loose on the streets and I wouldn’t want them to go into national service just in case we were called to go to war because we don’t know what is going to happen,” said Carol Crawford.
She added: “But being said that, in general, I think what this country needs is a level of discipline for younger people so on the other hand I am for it.”
Jim Vernon said: “I don’t particularly agree with it, I don’t agree with national service. I think we need a professional army and not six months of an 18-year-old.”
Sarah Kirk said: “I don’t really like the idea that it is mandatory because that would affect me and probably my family.
“I wouldn’t want my partner to feel like he has to go in without choosing to, but I appreciate the bigger picture.”
Simon: “It is a crazy idea. The youngsters won’t do it or he won’t even get voted in.”
Karen Prior said: “I think it gets people out of the comfort zone when they are sat around doing nothing.
“It gives them a mission in life.”
Friends Jane Lewis and Margaret Rosson said: “It will either work or it won’t. It will be good for the youngsters but isn’t really long enough is it?
“It takes longer than 12 months to knock them into shape.”
John Nicholson said: “It is a very good idea.
“It might give them something to work for.”
Aline Fletcher: “I think it would be good for the 18-year-olds if they had a choice.
“I think there is a lot of young people who are not working and it would be good for them.
“It would be a good way of spending their time.”
Marion Henderson said: “I think it will be good for them.”
