Try GOLD - Free
Tories challenged on policy of national service for teens
The Independent
|June 19, 2024
The Conservatives are facing fresh questions over Rishi Sunak's flagship national service policy amid increasing confusion about how the scheme will work.
Defence secretary Grant Shapps has been accused of plunging the promise into chaos with multiple TV appearances in which he appeared to change course on how the military aspect will be implemented.
Shadow defence secretary John Healey has written to Mr Shapps demanding answers about whether the scheme is “fully costed, fully funded, deliverable and clearly set out to the public”. He said ministers are “making it up as they go along” and called the plan a “distraction from their failures in defence over 14 years”.
In a letter seen by The Independent, the long-serving Labour MP said Mr Shapps had thrown the general election pledge into confusion and called for him to come clean. The Tory manifesto sets out that every 18-year-old in the UK will be given the choice between a year of civic service or military service.
This story is from the June 19, 2024 edition of The Independent.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Independent
The Independent
‘Even after three years, I still feel excited whenever I arrive in a new settlement’
When Dennis Lehtonen left city life for remote Greenland, he never imagined the extremes: -37C cold, toilet bags, 20km sled trips. Three years on, he explains why he stayed
6 mins
January 07, 2026
The Independent
Brexit has been bad for Britain, major poll suggests
Leaving the EU has damaged the UK's economy and culture, many voters believe (PA)
4 mins
January 07, 2026
The Independent
YOUR SONIC FIX IN '26
Riot grrrl is back, the Irish folk revival continues apace, and a masked UK rapper is causing a serious stir. Our music editor Roisin O'Connor picks 10 artists to listen out for this year
6 mins
January 07, 2026
The Independent
Does FTSE 100 breaking 10,000 signal a richer 2026?
UK savers who moved cash ISAs into shares cheered as the FTSE 100 hit 10,000. But could this early rally also signal brighter prospects for the wider economy
3 mins
January 07, 2026
The Independent
Greenland belongs to its people, Europe warns US
Europe set up a showdown with Donald Trump after its leaders joined Canada and Denmark to rally behind Greenland, insisting it “belongs to its people” as the US president renewed threats to annex the strategic, mineral-rich island.
3 mins
January 07, 2026
The Independent
Starmer backs Brexit ‘reset’ bill to align UK and EU law
Sir Keir Starmer is preparing a bill which would hand ministers powers to bring the UK into alignment with EU law, as part of an attempt to reduce paperwork and boost growth in Britain.
3 mins
January 07, 2026
The Independent
Does the 'Donroe Doctrine change US foreign policy?
Geopolitics has been gifted a new term by Donald Trump: the “Donroe Doctrine”.
2 mins
January 07, 2026
The Independent
'Virtual hospitals' are a good idea, but Starmer needs more
Even when he is being as loyal as possible, Wes Streeting cannot help the contrast between him and Keir Starmer undermining the prime minister.
3 mins
January 07, 2026
The Independent
Storm Goretti brings snow after coldest night of winter
Large parts of England and Wales are expected to be hit with heavy snow this week, brought by the high winds of Storm Goretti, the Met Office has warned.
2 mins
January 07, 2026
The Independent
The only person who can stop Trump now is Pope Leo
When the cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church gathered behind closed doors last year to elect a successor to Pope Francis, pundits the world over produced lists of likely candidates for the papal throne.
3 mins
January 07, 2026
Listen
Translate
Change font size