COLCHESTER residents have reacted to the latest Conservative flagship policy which will require all 18-year-olds to carry out National Service.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak unveiled the manifesto commitment on Saturday in a bid to win over voters ahead of next month’s General Election.

The policy would legally require 18-year-olds to choose between spending one weekend per month volunteering in the community or undertaking a full-time National Service course.

Those who do not opt into the £2.5 billion programme would be sanctioned.

Gazette: Compulsory – all 18-year-olds would be required to undertake National Service or or spend one weekend a month volunteering in their communityCompulsory – all 18-year-olds would be required to undertake National Service or or spend one weekend a month volunteering in their community (Image: British Army)

Colchester voters, 26,000 of whom elected Will Quince at the last election, offered a mixed response.

More than 100 readers gave their views on Facebook shortly after the Gazette asked the public for their opinions.

Elizabeth Woodford said: “Rishi has totally lost the plot with this idea.

“The Government has made it impossible for us parents to discipline our own children – the kids know this as well, so the majority of 18-year-olds would scream ‘I’m offended’, have a hissy fit, and say they have mental health issues to get out of it.”

Andrew Field was equally pessimistic, saying: “Words fail me when it comes to politicians in this country – useless, the lot of them.”

David Thwaites said those who go to university will have their own ideas about what they want to do when they are not studying.

He said: “Utter nonsense.

“My son will hopefully be off to university and maybe enjoying some downtime between his studies or maybe earning some extra money through a part-time job when he is older.

“He won't be doing national service or being told what he is to do with his spare time.”

Others were seemed persuaded about the idea.

Kay Cee said: “I wonder how many of the youngsters would?

“They love playing those games in their bedrooms!

Gazette: Tradition – Colchester has a proud military heritage, but not all Gazette readers were convinced by the idea of National ServiceTradition – Colchester has a proud military heritage, but not all Gazette readers were convinced by the idea of National Service (Image: Daniel Rees, Newsquest)

“They could actually come out of them and talk to people and see what real life is like – cotton wool era!

“I think it’s a great idea – they could learn skills lost and help out the community and realise how much things are rather than destroying and defacing.”

Aimee Keteca added: “Fantastic idea – install some discipline into young people.”

Voters will go to the polls on Thursday, July 4.