Young people across Cumbria will get the opportunity to support their communities under plans unveiled by the Conservatives.
The plans have been unveiled by the Prime Minister, who has set out that a future Conservative government will introduce mandatory National Service for every 18-year-old, to be spent in a competitive, full-time military commission or spending one weekend a month volunteering in their community.
The news has been welcomed by Matty Jackman, the Conservative candidate for Westmorland and Lonsdale, who himself has a military background and volunteers in his local community.
He said:
“This is a bold and brilliant announcement. If people ask, why should we care about this, it’s all about serving others.
“I am proud to say I serve in the Army Reserve, volunteer as a Community First Responder with the Northwest Ambulance Service and support my local church and other charities. If there is one new policy I can vouch for, it is this one.
“Service to our community and our country is where we need to guide the next generation.
"I couldn't be happier with this announcement and our commitment to our young people.”
“We have so much to be proud of as a country, but we also need to be open and honest about the long-term challenges that our country and our society face.
“One of the challenges the Conservatives want to tackle is that we have generations of young people who don’t have the opportunities they deserve. This will give young people real-world skills while contributing to their country and community.”
