The Conservative Party's proposal to reintroduce 12 months of mandatory national service if they win the general election has sparked a heated debate between Matthew Lesh, Director of Public Policy and Communications at the Institute of Economic Affairs, and James Price, a former government advisor.

Lesh argues against the policy, viewing it as an infringement on individual liberty and questioning its effectiveness, while Price, once a classical liberal, makes a case for it as a necessary measure to promote social cohesion, patriotism, and resilience in an increasingly fragmented society. The discussion delves into the role of government in shaping culture, the perceived decline of traditional institutions, the challenges faced by younger generations, and the trade-offs between individual freedom and collective responsibility surrounding the national service debate.

Get full access to Institute of Economic Affairs | Insider at insider.iea.org.uk/subscribe