Criticism of proposed scheme comes as another blow to the party’s struggling election campaign
Setting aside the obvious budgetary problems, is the situation really such that Britain needs mandatory military service?
From an outside perspective, it seems extreme.
Definitely not needed for current military needs. Britain effectively operates a relatively small but relatively elite army - trying to incorporate a large number of untrained teenagers into that model would seem like an enormous and unhelpful distraction. The bigger issue the army faces today is a lack of funding.
This is really just a headline he’s come up with to appeal to reactionary elderly Tory voters who are thinking about switching to Reform. It’s the worst way to make policy. The more you scratch under the surface, the more problematic the policy is.
What does their island nation need conscription for in peacetime?
I have zero belief that policy is offered in good faith.
He doesn’t expect to be in a majority so he doesn’t actually have to do it.
The conservatives have become convinced the best way to get votes is to keep moving to the right.
This is designed to please the voters who hold together the Tory heartlands, to keep safe seats safe.
