Over the coming weeks, candidates from Huntingdon, North West Cambridgeshire and St Neots and Mid Cambridgeshire will give views on key issues facing the electorate.
Here, the candidates for Huntingdon share their opinions on plans for the re-introduction of National Service.
As part of the scheme, 18-year-olds would be mandated to choose between one year of military training or 25 days of 'volunteer work' over the course of a year.
Alex Bulat (Labour)
"The Conservatives’ national service idea is not costed and unplanned – it’s an election stunt, not serious, pragmatic politics.
“Instead of wasting time on election stunts, we should be supporting our Armed Forces properly.
“We could use a fraction of the money the national service policy would cost to make sure that service personnel and their families are given proper accommodation."
She added: “I am concerned that this policy could create further inequality. If you make something compulsory, there presumably will be consequences to you not doing it - such as fines.
“One can easily imagine how the families who can afford to and disagree with this policy could pay fines, whereas those from low income cannot and therefore it’s not a level playing field.”
Ben Obese-Jecty (Conservative)
"The National Service scheme represents an opportunity for young people to contribute to public service whilst broadening their experiences and providing personal development that may be difficult to achieve elsewhere.
“The blend of military and civic components, with 5 per cent of roles being in the armed forces and 95 per cent in civic roles should allow everybody to undertake a role which reflects their interests."
“As a veteran, my time in the Army was a hugely formative experience for me and had a positive effect on my development, providing me with transferable skills that I have carried throughout my adult life.
“There will undoubtedly be challenges in implementing a scheme of this ambition, not least of all in how to inculcate a willingness to participate.
“I do believe there needs to be an element of incentivisation in order to make participation attractive; either an ability to gain a qualification through the volunteering roles or by offering technical trade training through the Army.”
Sarah Smith (Reform UK)
"I don’t understand what problem, facing the British people right now, would be solved by it.
"For each of the benefits it’s purported to have: armed forces recruitment; social cohesion; cutting crime; making young people more employable – there are more effective solutions.
"I am instinctively opposed to government mandates, and vehemently opposed to military conscription which I see as the most extreme act of state overreach.
She added: "If we have a system of mandatory military National Service it would be tempting for the government, in the face of long, drawn-out conflicts, to expand National Service to include sending recruits into combat.
“A purely voluntary scheme of volunteer work in public services and even in the armed forces could well be beneficial to society and to the young people themselves, but should be encouraged with some sort of certificate of recognition.”
Georgie Hunt (Green Party)
"This policy has been rushed and is completely filled with holes. There’s been no consideration for young people who are carers, studying, or are already in work.
"Our armed forces don’t want or need this plan, with the Government just weeks ago saying they had no plans to introduce national service, as it could 'damage morale, recruitment and retention' along with consuming Armed Forces resources.
"Whilst the Green Party has about 50 young people like myself running for Parliament, all across England and Wales, this policy shows just how removed the Conservatives are from the priorities of young people."
She added: “It’s always great to see young people volunteering and supporting their community in Huntingdon, but how, where and when young people chose to do this should be for them to decide.
"The proposed £2.5bn this rushed policy would cost could be better spent exploring alternatives such as creating apprenticeships and other education opportunities to support people of all ages."
Dr Chan Abraham (Independent)
"Rishi Sunak’s compulsory military service misguidedly conflates young people’s ‘purposelessness’ - a moral issue, with ‘skills deficiency’ - a function of ability.
"He doesn’t understand that their lack of purpose is rooted in the post-1960s assault against Britain’s foundational moral framework.
"Shockingly the Conservative Party’s proposal grabs £2.5 billion from some of our most disadvantaged communities."
He added: "Standing as Huntingdon’s Independent MP, I propose introducing a root-and-branch review of education, requiring an unbiased view of our past and its influence on us today.
"And public funding to clubs and faith communities to encourage
volunteering and service; with innovative training pathways and apprenticeships to skill and inspire upcoming generations to flourish.
"I am confident Independent MPs can infuse our young people with a renaissance of purpose and pride in Britain, our national home."
Mark Argent (Liberal Democrats)
"Defence minister Andrew Munson said National Service “would not be introduced ‘in any form’ as it would damage morale and discipline”.
"It doesn’t fit with the level of training needed in today’s armed forces.
"Any pretence that this was a well-thought policy was exploded by James Cleverly saying no-one would go to jail for refusing to take part."
He added: "The alternative of “community volunteering” in organisations like the NHS and emergency rings alarm bells. Isn’t that exploiting young people to work for free in organisations under financial pressure?
"There’s a suggestion that the money for this will be diverted from the Shared Prosperity Fund. Huntingdonshire District Councill has been awarded £1.8m from this for a range of community projects: do we want to sacrifice these?"
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