Yahoo News Northumberland Tory MP fails to rule out fining parents if kids don't do National Service
A Northumberland Tory minister has refused to rule out the possibility of fining parents if their adult children fail to participate in Rishi Sunak's heavily criticised National Service plan.
Foreign Office minister and MP for Berwick upon Tweed, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, stated that the scheme would be mandatory, similar to remaining in education or training until the age of 18. However, when questioned about whether parents could face penalties if their children do not attend, she did not deny it.
Speaking to Times Radio, Ms Trevelyan said: "I'm not going to write the detailed policy now. That's what a royal commission programme of works will be for." She further suggested that non-participation could negatively impact job opportunities.
On ITV's Good Morning Britain, the minister said: "This will be encouraged and will become part of the norms. Importantly, of course, when you then as a young person apply for a job, there will be a question that employers will want to know how you got involved - either because were able to achieve one of the 30,000 places (in the armed forces) or because you were volunteering in one or other part of your community.", reports the Mirror.
The Prime Minister has declared that all 18 year olds will be required to participate in his proposed new programme. Young people would have the option of a full-time placement in the armed forces for 12 months or spending one weekend a month for a year "volunteering," in their community.
However, high-ranking military figures and experts have expressed scepticism about Mr Sunak's proposal. Admiral Adam West, former chief of the naval staff, labelled the plan as "bonkers", telling The Guardian: "I'm delighted if more young people become aware of defence and are involved ... but this idea is basically bonkers. We need to spend more on defence, and by doing what he's suggesting money will be sucked out of defence."
In addition, Richard Dannatt, former chief of the general staff, dismissed it as "electoral opportunism". He stated: "The costs of this would be considerable in terms of trainers and infrastructure. This task cannot just be imposed on the armed forces as an extra thing to do."
There are doubts over how the policy will be enforced. The Mirror has obtained an internal Tory briefing paper on the policy that does not exclude the possibility of arresting youngsters who refuse to participate.
In a Q&A section of the document, it asks: "Will you arrest people who don’t comply?" The response is: "It is right that those who contribute to our system are duly rewarded, and those who refuse receive none of the benefits. The Royal Commission will explore an appropriate incentives regime."
James Cleverly, the Home Secretary was quick to clarify on Sky News amidst a chaotic Sunday, stating: "No, there's going to be no criminal sanction. There's no one going to jail over this," as he refuted claims that 18 year olds would face imprisonment if they rejected the new policy."
A spokesperson for Labour criticised the initiative, claiming: "This is not a plan - it's a review which could cost billions and is only needed because the Tories hollowed out the armed forces to their smallest size since Napoleon."
Supporting his scheme, Prime Minister said: "This is a great country but generations of young people have not had the opportunities or experience they deserve and there are forces trying to divide our society in this increasingly uncertain world. I have a clear plan to address this and secure our future.
"I will bring in a new model of national service to create a shared sense of purpose among our young people and a renewed sense of pride in our country. "
He further added, expressing enthusiasm for the program: "This new, mandatory national service will provide life-changing opportunities for our young people, offering them the chance to learn real world skills, do new things and contribute to their community and our country."
