The UK Conservative Party has launched an election pledge calling for 18-year-olds to take part in some form of national service if they win the upcoming election. The idea has sparked controversy and mixed reactions from UK teenagers. While some view it as a good opportunity to gain leadership skills, others express concerns that working-class young people will be hurt the most and question the timing of the plan when there are so many economic concerns in the country.
Jade Marie Carnaje, an air cadet, supports the national service plan and says that the benefits for young people outweigh the cons. She believes that the skills gained from the scheme can build up confidence and enhance personal skills, and therefore, is something that young people would benefit from. However, she wonders why an estimated £2.5bn will be spent on the scheme when there are economic concerns in the country as it is.
Samir Qurashi, a former youth MP, is worried about how the scheme could affect working-class young people. He argues that young people have not been consulted about the plan and this needs to happen as their needs aren’t prioritised. He believes the money should be invested in schools and colleges instead of such schemes.
Oscar Brooker, a 15-year-old member of the Young Conservatives in Manchester and an army cadet, supports the plan and believes it will give young people life skills and the chance to give back to the country. He thinks that the scheme should not be mistaken as military conscription, and it’s not just about the armed forces as volunteers could also work with the NHS.
Ayah Mamode, a 16-year-old aspiring journalist, doubts young people would conform to the plan if it were carried out, as many young people don’t agree with Britain’s engagement with other countries. She acknowledges the benefits of soft skills from the scheme but believes the money spent could be better used elsewhere.
Overall, there has been mixed reaction to the plan, with some praising it for building leadership skills, others seeing issues with the potential cost and impact on young working people, and some being doubtful of the level of compliance among young people
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