Rishi Sunak’s National Service Pledge Criticized as 'Bonkers' by Ex-Military Chief
Criticism of Proposed Scheme Amid Struggling Election Campaign
Britain’s armed forces need more funding, not untrained teenage volunteers, former military leaders and Conservative figures have said, delivering a new blow to the Conservative Party’s faltering election campaign.
Immediate Backlash from Military and Political Figures
Within hours of its announcement, Rishi Sunak’s election pledge to reintroduce military service for 18-year-olds faced strong opposition from army chiefs and a former Conservative defence secretary. Sunak proposed mandatory national service, requiring young people to spend a year in the military or engage in volunteer work on weekends.
Sunak defended the proposal, citing successful national service schemes in other countries. However, Adm Alan West, former Chief of the Naval Staff, dismissed the idea as “bonkers” and a potential drain on the defence budget.
Financial Concerns and Feasibility Issues
Lord West argued that the proposal would divert necessary funds from the defence budget, emphasizing the need for increased spending on defence rather than untrained recruits. Richard Dannatt, former Chief of the General Staff, called the plan “electoral opportunism,” highlighting the considerable costs and logistical challenges of implementing such a scheme.
Michael Portillo, a former defence secretary, expressed concerns over the policy's lack of thorough planning and its potential to damage the Conservative Party’s reputation for fiscal responsibility. He stressed the need for proper consultation with armed services and relevant charities.
Opposition from Within and Beyond the Party
The announcement came just two days after Defence Minister Andrew Murrison stated that the government had no plans for national service, citing potential harm to morale, recruitment, and retention.
John Healey, Shadow Defence Secretary, criticized the proposal as a distraction from the Conservatives’ defence failures over the past 14 years. He noted that Tory ministers have consistently missed recruitment targets and underfunded the armed forces.
Cost Estimates and Potential Incentives
Tory estimates suggest the policy would cost £2.5 billion annually by the end of the decade. The funding would come from cracking down on tax avoidance and extending the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The Conservatives also proposed a royal commission to explore international examples of national service and design incentives for young people, such as fast-track interviews in the civil service.
Broader Political Reactions
The Liberal Democrat defence spokesperson, Richard Foord, and Nigel Farage, honorary president of Reform UK, both criticized the plans. Farage labeled the proposal a “joke” and “totally impractical,” suggesting it was designed to appeal to his voters.
The Road Ahead
With the general election approaching on 4 July, this proposal and its reception could significantly impact the Conservative Party’s campaign. The upcoming election brings the potential for major political change in the UK, and the effectiveness of Sunak’s pledge will likely be a critical factor in the Conservative Party’s performance.
