Anne-Marie Trevelyan refuses to rule out future king George and other royal princes and princesses being called up for National Service when they turn 18 amid row over Rishi Sunak's election pledge.
Rishi Sunak tonight defended his 'bold' plan to make teenagers do National Service amid a deepening Tory election campaign row over the policy.
'It's going to foster a culture of service which is going to be incredibly powerful for making our society more cohesive and in a more uncertain and dangerous world it's going to strengthen our country's security and resilience.' The remarks were made in a Conservative Party Facebook group that includes several serving MPs, though they were not among the critics speaking out.
Steve Baker, the Northern Ireland Minister, broke ranks today to suggest the policy unveiled at the weekend was 'sprung' on candidates with little or no warning. And Writing for MailOnline today FCDO minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan said that the scheme would teach practical and soft skills 'which cannot be taught in the classroom or the lecture theatre'.
Read More Keir Starmer sets out to woo undecided Middle England as he claims he has 'changed Labour permanently' from party led by Jeremy Corbyn Another said: 'Drafting a bunch of yobbos isn't going to improve the military, which is why the main opposition to National Service has always come from the military chiefs.'
The proposal, which was unveiled yesterday has triggered a major row, the first of the nascent general election campaign. The manifesto pledge would see all 18-year-olds do either a paid year in the military or spend a weekend a month doing unpaid work in the community. Prince George, 10, would be the first young royal made to undertake the scheme when he turns 18 in July 2031, followed a year later by Princess Charlotte, nine, and three years later by Prince Louis, six.
Advertisement The Prime Minister received backlash after launching the proposal but said he wanted the change to instill a 'shared sense of purpose' in today's youth. He clarified details of the scheme saying the military part will be paid, but the voluntary section would not be. However, the Armed Forces option would be selective – with only around 30,000 placements for 'the brightest and best'.
File image shows the Prince and Princess of Wales with Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, at RAF Fairford last year Read MoreEXCLUSIVE Teenagers say Rishi Sunak's National Service plan is a winner - but voters of all ages say they have mixed views on the idea Mr Cleverly said the plans show the Tories are investing in young people and trying to address some of the challenges that today's youth face.
The Lib Dems have also slammed the announcement with leader Ed Davey describing it as a 'desperate' and 'pathetic' attempt.Read More Rishi Sunak fights back after his National Service plan is ridiculed: PM insists bold scheme will 'open doors' for teenagers when applying for jobs or university Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway recently began her 12-month military placement with the Engineer Battalion.
The party said the commission would be tasked with bringing forward a proposal for how to ensure the first pilot is open for applications in September 2025. After the Second World War ended in 1945, the government felt it was necessary to maintain high levels of military presence across the world, including in parts of the British Empire and in Germany.
Many countries across the world currently have some form of national service, including military and non-military models.
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