Penny Mordaunt backs plans for every 16-year-old in Britain to enrol in National Service

Cabinet minister Penny Mordaunt has backed a plan to sign up all 16-year-olds in the country to a National Service scheme.

The scheme, mooted by think-tank Onward, would have teenagers go on a two-week ‘civic exploration’ trip and undertake a number of volunteering hours.

The House of Commons leader endorsed the plan in an article for the Telegraph, saying it would foster “goodwill and community spirit, energy and imagination” in teens.

She also said it could promote “good mental health and resilience” after young people’s lives were shaken by the Covid crisis. 

Although sign-up to the scheme would be automatic, teens not wishing to participate would have the chance to opt-out. 

Should the plan go ahead, more than 600,000 young people could take part.

Ms Mordaunt added that there is nothing “more rewarding than serving your community and nation”.

“No one is more effective at helping others than a willing volunteer,” she said.

“Many young people are struggling with their mental health, to find purpose, and feel a sense of belonging. 

“Stepping forward to help others could be part of the answer. Service can help build the resilience, skills, and pride in their community and country that many need.”

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It was also backed by Labour MP Dan Jarvis who said he would like to participate in a voluntary scheme offered to Britain’s youth.

Due to the automatic sign-up, the scheme would go further than the National Citizen Service set up in 2015 by David Cameron.

Onward senior researcher Francois Valentin said many young people feel “disconnected from their community and nation” and this is essential to stop them from “falling further into crisis”.

He called the scheme a “modern solution” to unify teenagers and give them skills they need to succeed, inspired by a similar service currently running in France.