HOW on earth can a political party, six weeks away from a general election, throw into the quagmire of debate a conscription grenade? 

Rishi Sunak, an unvoted Prime Minister, has unilaterally declared that, if he is in power, he will re-introduce a compulsory national service.

Over 18s will be called up to a year’s army training or participation in civic duties one weekend a month. In a headline political move, he has proposed to steal the 18th year of every young person, disrupting their higher education and earning ability. It is arrogant in the extreme.

Our young people are reeling from the disruptive effects of the pandemic and the financial crisis. Their education has been disrupted but most have pulled through and succeeded in gaining their grades.

Many are troubled about their future, struggling with mental health. Instead of consulting with them and having an open debate, they are now at risk of being led by a political party which has no regard for their wellbeing at all.

A party that can throw this at them out of the blue, just as they are making life choices and starting their lives. 

There may, of course, be some merit in a voluntary programme. Perhaps a year of a programmed life training or military service would be welcome by some. But to throw the threat at young people without discussion, debate and engagement is disrespectful. They must feel betrayed.

Keir Starmer is proposing that over 16s be given the vote. He recognises that today’s young people are very aware of the challenges they face. They understand climate change, are aware of the demographics facing them, know that the financial wealth in the country is unevenly shared.

They are the future. They have the right to honest, open and informed debate where their voice is heard. Would they vote for Sunak’s ideas? I doubt it.

Our youth are our most valuable asset. They deserve respect, not politicians who use, manipulate and ignore them.