Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister of Britain, proposes mandatory service for 18-year-olds.
Teenagers will now have the option of dedicating one weekend a month to volunteer work over the course of a year, or enlisting in the military for a year-long stint, according to recently announced plans by British Chancellor Rishi Sunak. The plans came shortly after Labour Party leader Keir Starmer expressed his support for allowing 16 and 17-year-olds to vote.
The Tory party is currently lagging behind in popularity polls, with little change seen for Prime Minister Boris Johnson since his unexpected announcement of a general election four days prior. Sunak stated in a press release, "Britain today is dealing with a future that is more dangerous and more divided. It is obvious that our democratic values are being challenged. Therefore, we will implement a daring new model of civil service for individuals turning 18."
The funding for this suggestion would come from cracking down on tax evasion and avoidance and using a portion of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, previously established to help reduce economic disparities between regions.
Labour politicians were critical of the announcement. Andy Burnham, mayor of Greater Manchester, commented, "The type of service Britain needs from its youth is to vote for change on July 4."
While mandatory services won't result in legal repercussions, Interior Minister James Cleverly confirmed that individuals would be compelled to participate. He was questioned by the BBC about the potential contradiction with the Conservatives' liberal tradition, but responded simply, "We make people do things all the time." Cleverly offered the examples of compulsory education or training for individuals up to age 18.
Read also:
- This will change in December
- Dikes withstand water masses so far - Scholz holds out the prospect of help
- Fireworks and parties ring in 2024 - turn of the year overshadowed by conflicts
- Attacks on ships in the Red Sea: shipping companies avoid important trade route
This new civil service initiative by Rishi Sunak could encourage more young Britons to contribute to community service on a global scale. Despite the divisive nature of politics in Europe, promoting civic responsibility among the youth could foster a sense of unity within societies worldwide.
Source: edition.cnn.com
