Nobody would go to jail for refusing to comply with National Service under a Conservative government, the home secretary has said.
In the Conservatives' first policy announcement of the general election campaign, Rishi Sunak said on Saturday he would introduce a new form of mandatory National Service for 18-year-olds if his party wins the vote in July. They would be given the choice of a full-time military placement for 12 months or a scheme to volunteer for one weekend a month for a year.
' He added that 'nobody will be compelled to do the military element' but said those who do will be paid - while those who choose to volunteer will not be paid. Mr Cleverly said the main point of the policy is to make sure 'people mix with people outside their bubble' for 'community cohesion'. He said those who choose the military option 'will be motivated to join the military' after spending a year with the Armed Forces.
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