Should National Service Be Introduced For Young People In The UK?

A national YouGov survey has revealed that 18 to 24-year-olds are strongly opposed to the idea of bringing back national service.

The question asks: "Would you support or oppose bringing back compulsory military service for young people, who would serve for a month with the armed forces?"

While over 65s were in favour of the idea, with 74% voting in support, only 10% of 18-24-year-olds said they thought it would be a good idea, with 62% opposing and 28% saying that they did not know.

In total, 48% of people voted in support, 36% against, and 16% said they did not know.

National Service was first introduced in the UK in 1947 to resolve a shortage of manpower in the military in the wake of the Second World War.

Men aged between 17 and 21 were required to undertake a period of service from between six to 18 months.

But, from 1960 onwards National Service was gradually ended, with call-ups ending formally on 31st December 1960.

The last National Servicemen left in May 1963.

Since then, however, it has often been debated as to whether society would benefit from the reintroduction of National Service, with Prince Harry making calls for its comeback in 2015 after stating that his own time in the army "saved" him.

Do you think young people should have to do National Service? Let us know in our poll.