Gov would "consider Jersey's position" if UK reintroduced national service

Wednesday 29 May 2024

The Government has said it would "consider Jersey’s position" if the UK reintroduced national service, after Rishi Sunak announced plans for a modern version of the controversial policy should his party win the General Election.

The policy would see all 18-year-olds legally required to take up either a 12-month placement in the armed forces or cyber defence, or give up the equivalent of one weekend a month to volunteer in their communities.

A "bold" policy but "the right thing to do"

Mr Sunak told reporters on a campaign visit in Buckinghamshire: “This modern form of national service will mean that young people get the skills and the opportunities that they need which is going to serve them very well in life.

He continued: "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."

Rishi Sunak has announced plans for a modern version of national service should the Tories win the General Election.

The Prime Minister added: "For all these reasons I think this is absolutely the right thing to do. Yes, it is bold, but that’s the kind of leadership I offer.”

But could such a policy be extended to Jersey?

Following questions from Express, External Relations Minister Ian Gorst said: “Jersey has its own parliament and government, and UK laws cannot be extended to the Island without the States Assembly’s consent. It is not for us to comment on UK elections and we would not seek to do so.

“If the UK were to reintroduce National Service in the future we would consider Jersey’s position at that time. There are currently no plans for anything similar in Jersey.”