National Service Bill 2013/14

A bill to reintroduce national service in the UK is going through Parliament.
The National Service Bill 2013-14 sponsored by Kettering MP Philip Hollobone, passed the first reading stage of the parliamentary process in June, with its second reading due when MPs return to Westminster in September.

Previous National Service Bills have made it mandatory for young people who are of a "fighting age" to undertake compulsory military service.

Supporters of the bill say it helps to "weed out undesirable traits" in young people which they say have lead to "high youth unemployment, rising crime rates and teenage pregnancy".

Philip Hollobone MP

Those opposed to the plans say "we are approaching the presuppose of a global conflict and when you look at something like this bill, it confounds that idea."

Member of Parliament for the Kettering Constituency and sponsor for the bill, Philip Hollobone, declined to provide more information on the bill but in an email, said details will be released in the first week of Parliament.

Philip Hollobone MP responding to requests for information (click to enlarge)