Rishi Sunak justifies introducing national service for teenagers: ‘Democratic values under threat’

Rishi Sunak justifies introducing National Service: 'Democratic values are under threat'Source: Rishi Sunak

Transcript

00:00 We have so much to be proud of in Britain, but one of the problems in our society is that we

00:04 have generations of young people who don't have the opportunities they deserve. Britain today

00:10 faces a future that is more dangerous and more divided. There's no doubt our democratic values

00:16 are under threat. That is why we will introduce a bold new model of national service for 18-year-olds

00:22 to be spent either in a competitive full-time military commission over 12 months or with one

00:28 weekend per month volunteering in roles within the community like delivering prescriptions and

00:33 food to infirm people or in search and rescue. Young people will gain valuable skills, make our

00:40 country more secure and build a stronger national culture. This ambition benefits our country and

00:46 our young people alike. Just look at Sweden where 80% of young people completing national service

00:52 say they'd recommend it to their friends. Uncertain times call for a clear plan and bold action to

00:59 chart a course to a secure future. Our plan will ensure new generations and our country

01:04 meet the challenges of the uncertain world. Keir Starmer and Labour don't have a clear plan

01:09 and won't take the bold action to navigate to a more secure future.

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