Rishi Sunak reveals his daughters are ‘more excited’ about compulsory national service than their dad’s maths plans
RISHI Sunak today admitted his daughters are keener on compulsory national service than maths lessons to 18.
On a campaign visit in Stoke-on-Trent, the PM confessed he canvassed his two kids for their views on forced volunteering before giving the policy the green light.
At a china manufacturer, surrounded by artisan British crockery, Mr Sunak told reporters: “National service was a much much easier conversation than maths.
“I think my daughters are definitely more excited.
“It will be good for them and be good for everyone that they spend time with.
“So I'm really, really excited for them to have the opportunity to do it.”
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Sculling builders’ tea, the PM hit back at accusations he’s declared war on youngsters.
Days after he ditched long-promised rent reforms, pledged a tax-break for OAPs and announced a national service scheme, Mr Sunak declared: “I’ve haven’t given up on young people”.
He added: “I just announced a massive policy that I think will be transformational for our country and incredibly positive for young people.
“You might not agree with that and that's fine.
"But I think providing young people with the opportunity of National Service, regardless of their background, will be hugely positive for them.”
In rainy Stoke-on-Trent the PM toured Churchill China factory with firebrand outgoing MP and Deputy Conservative Chairman, Jonathan Gullis.
He painted a plate before taking questions from excited workers on national service and veterans’ issues.
One convinced staff member, Dawn, said her sons in their late 20s would’ve benefited from the scheme because they’re “more brawn than brains”.
But another employee, Jade, was less taken by the idea.
The ex-service woman turned HR manager told the PM that veterans’ services in the UK aren’t up to standard.
She questioned how assistance schemes would cope with an influx of vets.
Mr Sunak replied by insisting he wants Britain to become the "best country in the world to be a veteran".