POLL OF THE DAY: Do you support Rishi Sunak's plans for National Service? YOUR VERDICT
18-year-olds would have a choice of a 12-month military placement or volunteering in their community
PA
Rishi Sunak has vowed to bring back National Service for 18-year-olds if he wins the upcoming General Election.
The PM said he wants to create a "renewed sense of pride in our country" and instill a "shared sense of purpose" in youngsters in the face of forces which were "trying to divide our society".
Under the mandatory scheme, young adults will have to choose between either a 12-month military placement or spend one week a year volunteering in their community.
The Tories hope that the policy will mark a clear dividing line between them and Labour and present themselves as the only party that can be trusted with the country's security and defence.
POLL OF THE DAY: Do you support Rishi Sunak's plans for National Service? YOUR VERDICT
GB News
Young royals would also be expected to undertake National Service when they turn 18 under the controversial plans.
Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis are set to be called up to National Service.
Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie's young children would also be expected to take part once they turned 18.
The Earl of Wessex, 16, would also be expected to undertake National Service if the Conservative Party is successful in rolling out the scheme.
The Tories hope that the policy will mark a clear dividing line between them and Labour
PA
There are very limited exceptions to get out of undertaking the service with young royals not exempt.
According to an internal Tory briefing paper seen by the Daily Mirror, the prospect of arresting 18-year-olds who fail to take part in National Service has not been ruled out.
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 has ruled that out however.
The Home Secretary told Sky News that no one is "going to jail", but added that "we are going to compel people to do it".
He also explained that those taking part in the military option will be remunerated, but those who do weekend volunteering will not.
In an exclusive poll for GB News membership readers, an overwhelming majority (69 per cent) of the 1,985 voters supported Rishi Sunak's plans for National Service, while just 29 per cent did not. Two per cent said they did not know.
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