A recent report by the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) has prompted senior Labour figures to urge Sir Keir Starmer to consider implementing a national service scheme for thousands of British teenagers. The proposal, modeled after an existing Norwegian program, aims to foster a sense of active citizenship and belonging among young people.
The suggested "army short service limited commission" would involve 15-20% of all 18-year-olds, approximately 110,000 to 145,000 individuals, in a 12-month military service program. Participants would receive apprentice-level pay for their service.
Sir Stephen Timms, the disability minister, and Andy Burnham, the Labour mayor of Greater Manchester, are among the commissioners behind the CSJ report titled "A United Nation." The proposal comes in contrast to Rishi Sunak's earlier pledge to revive national service for all 18-year-olds through Army enrolment or community volunteering, which Labour had opposed.
The report emphasizes the potential benefits for disadvantaged youth, stating:
"Many young people from Britain's most disadvantaged communities are cut adrift from meaningful work, employment opportunities and/or may have failed in education. A new national service scheme, modelled on the Norwegian competitive model, would provide an opportunity to gain skills, travel the country and grow a sense of active citizenship and belonging."
In addition to the national service proposal, the cross-party study recommends tackling the worklessness crisis by allocating £6 billion of Whitehall funds to local authorities. This approach is inspired by the Dutch government's successful model, which has proven three times more effective than Britain in reintegrating economically inactive individuals into the workforce.
The CSJ analysis warns that without action, sickness benefits could increase by over £10 billion in the next five years. The Office for Budget Responsibility projects the cost for disability and sickness benefits across 2024-25 to be £74 billion.
Other notable commissioners involved in the report include Sir Iain Duncan Smith, former Conservative leader and CSJ co-founder, Martin Ivens, former Sunday Times editor, Miriam Cates, former Tory MP, and Lord King, former Bank of England governor.
Addressing the recent unrest in Britain, Sir Iain Duncan Smith commented on the need for change:
"This summer's riots have sadly proved the CSJ's belief that we live in one country but two nations. Violence is never justified as a response, but what we have seen is a wake-up call to Westminster to listen to those who feel left behind and ignored."
Andy Burnham emphasized the importance of local solutions in addressing national challenges, stating:
"There is a pathway to a better future for our nation and people. Thousands of people classed as not fit for work want to get a job and get on with their lives. The key to economic growth is to help them make that journey... Local solutions are far better and much cheaper than those invented in Whitehall."
As discussions continue, the Ministry of Defence has been contacted for comment on the proposed national service scheme.