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Al Jazeera
Al Jazeera
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Al Jazeera Staff

UK’s Sunak eyes national service: What is it and which countries have it?

United Kingdom ​​Rishi Sunak Keith Brown Conservative Party
Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak says the scheme will promote a shared sense of purpose among young people [File: Molly Darlington/Reuters]

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has pledged to bring back mandatory national service if the governing Conservative Party wins the July 4 national election, prompting a nationwide debate on a policy Britain abandoned more than 60 years ago.

According to an announcement made by Sunak on Sunday, 18-year-olds will be given a choice between a full-time placement in the armed forces or volunteering in their community.

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