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The UK wants to start national service for 18-year-olds. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will introduce national service if his party wins the UK's election in July. Under his plan, 18-year-olds will have two choices. The first is to spend one year in the army, navy or air force. About 30,000 people will choose this. The second option is voluntary work for one weekend a month. This means volunteering in the health service, ambulance service, fire service, or in local communities. Mr Sunak said young people will get useful skills, and help to "build a stronger national culture".
Many people attacked Rishi Sunak's plan. They say it is too expensive, and that there are not enough staff to train 30,000 army volunteers. Admiral Alan West, a former navy head, said: "I'm delighted if more young people become aware of defence…but this idea is…[crazy]." He wants the government to spend more money on defence. He says national service will "suck" money out of defence. Many young people think the plan will take their freedom away. However, one teenager says it will give young people a purpose. She said national service works well in many countries.
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