Britain may reintroduce compulsory military service for all 18-year-olds
Rishi Sunak (photo: Getty Images)
The United Kingdom is considering returning to a system of compulsory military service for young people, according to the Daily Mail.
The return to military service is part of an election plan presented by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. This initiative is related to the UK government's fears of increasing threats from authoritarian states, specifically mentioning Iran, China, North Korea, and Russia.
Sunak believes that after turning 18 and completing school, British youth should either serve 1 year in the Armed Forces or work as a volunteer in their community for 25 days, assisting firefighters, police, or medical services.
"Citizenship brings with it obligations as well as rights. Being British is about more than just the queue you join at passport control," he emphasized.
Sunak clarified that this initiative does not involve reinstating the general conscription system that was in place in the UK until 1960. Only a small portion of graduates will be selected for military service after rigorous selection.
The new scheme could start as early as September 2024 if the Conservative Party wins the elections.
Earlier, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the dissolution of parliament and early elections following his conversation with King Charles III.
