If the Conservatives are re-elected on July 4, the prime minister declared that all 18-year-olds would be required to perform some sort of “mandatory” national service.
The prime minister is reportedly planning to double down despite mounting opposition to the measures, which the Tories estimate will cost £2.5 billion annually by the end of the decade, according to the Financial Times.
According to the article, Mr. Sunak suggested that employers “consider those who complete the armed forces placement during job applications” as a means of helping employees “get the most out of national service”.
Leading military officials are dubious about the plan’s viability, while detractors from both political parties have written it off as inane.
However, as the campaign moves into its first full week, Mr. Sunak will be hoping that his vow could strengthen his attempt to close a widening gap between the Tories and Labour in the polls.
