Carol Vorderman weighs into national service row with blistering attack on Penny Mordaunt
Carol Vorderman has slammed Penny Mordaunt
PA
Under the new plans backed by Leader of the House of Commons, Penny Mordaunt, teenagers once they hit 16 would be tasked with taking part in the scheme.
The idea is to get 16-year-olds taking part in a "civic exploration" trip as well as fulfill a number of hours volunteering annually.
While not compulsory, the plans backed by Mordaunt would require teens to opt out if they didn't want to participate and the MP predicts over half a million youngsters could get involved.
Mordaunt has lauded the idea, insisting it will enhance Gen Z's mental health and provide a rewarding and fulfilling experience.
The plans were initially put forward by Centre-Right think tank Onward who claimed youngsters in the UK are “unhappy, unskilled and unmoored”.
Mordaunt told the Telegraph: "Many young people are struggling with their mental health, to find purpose, and feel a sense of belonging.
Penny Mordaunt has backed proposals which would aim to tackle the UK's growing 'youth crisis'
PA"Stepping forward to help others could be part of the answer," Mordaunt insisted. "Service can help build the resilience, skills, and pride in their community and country that many need."
But the proposals have garnered a mixed reception from members of the public who are opposed to the idea.
And on Thursday morning, former Countdown star Carol Vorderman was one famous face who was quick to voice their disapproval.
The 62-year-old fumed on Twitter: "'Bring Back National Service' cries Penny Mordaunt. What a pile of utter nonsense.
"She also spouts that Tories alone believe in personal responsibility and looking after others. WOW!"
The presenter's outburst concluded with the claim: "Current Tories care only about themselves and their snouts in the troughs of power and money. FACT."
Vorderman appears to be in the minority, however, given the results of polling by Onward ahead of the proposals.
The results show that 19 percent of Britons actively oppose the idea of national services while more than half at 57 percent support them.
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Penny Mordaunt has backed plans to reintroduce National ServicePAOther results from the polling suggest 53 percent of people are more likely to support a mixed programme of national service comprising of civil and military duties.
However, it also explains that the vast majority of those polled would oppose it to be mandatory.
Vorderman is no stranger to taking aim at members of the Conservative government in recent months, with the presenter regularly using Twitter as an outlet for her tirades.