This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/uk_politics/6980830.stm

The article has changed 7 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Cameron proposes citizen service Cameron proposes citizen service
(about 9 hours later)
David Cameron is to propose setting up a six-week programme for young people called "national citizen service". David Cameron is proposing a voluntary "citizen service" programme for 16-year-olds, seen as a 21st Century version of National Service.
He will say 16-year-olds should get the chance to do activities such as physical training or charity work. The Tory leader says school leavers and those going to college should take part in a six-week programme, including charity work and physical training.
The Tory leader will say such work would "be about inspiration, making young people feel that British society is something they want to be part of". He says it would boost participants' pride in themselves and in Britain.
It will be the modern equivalent of national service, he added, but it would not be compulsory. Ahead of a speech on the subject he also dismissed critics within his own party as "blasts from the past".
Mr Cameron will outline his plan for citizen service on Thursday alongside British boxer Amir Khan. Mr Cameron will unveil his proposals for a modern equivalent of national service - which would not be compulsory - during a visit to Bolton later, alongside British boxer Amir Khan.
Ask anyone who did national service and they all say the same thing: 'It was something we all did together.' David Cameron 'Me, me, me'
The scheme would offer teenagers the chance to take part in military training, work with the elderly or even travel overseas to developing countries. Mr Cameron told the BBC he wanted to see all 16-year-olds take part in a six-week programme "that's about personal development - what it means to be an adult in Britain today, that's about responsibility, it's not all: 'Me, me, me', but we have obligations to each other, that's about serving the community."
The Tory leader is expected to say it would help "mend our broken society", adding: "It represents everything I stand for and believe in." I want all Conservatives to think carefully before they open their mouths David Cameron class="" href="/1/hi/uk/6981009.stm">Cameron hits back at Tory critic
He will say: "Moving from childhood to adulthood can be an incredibly confusing and difficult period in your life. He said youngsters from all backgrounds - "north or south, rich or poor, black or white" would do it together and it should be "challenging and exciting".
"Many countries and cultures have ways of marking that transition, and I think we can learn from that." "I've talked about mending Britain's broken society - that obviously means tough action on police and crime. This is the positive side, let's make sure that young people want to be part of a successful and strong British society. I think that's why this programme is so important."
'Truly national' The programme is aimed at taking youngsters out of their "comfort zones", whether they want to go on to further education or straight to work.
Mr Cameron will say that rather than bring back national service, he hopes to see "a 21st century equivalent". Physical challenge
"Ask anyone who did national service and they all say the same thing: 'It was something we all did together.' The course would include one week's residential course, four weeks of community service and a week's physical challenge - like Army training or trying to climb the Three Peaks.
"Our ambition is that every young person takes part - a truly national programme that everyone does in their summer holidays after their GCSEs, after leaving school or between GCSEs and sixth form." It could include work with the elderly or travelling overseas to developing countries.
Mr Cameron told the Sun newspaper that participants would be eligible for a cash sum on completion of their service, with half going to a charity of their choice and half to the organisation that ran the project. Mr Cameron suggested participants would be eligible for a cash sum on completion of their service, with half going to a charity of their choice and half to the organisation that ran the project.
Youngsters would also attend a "graduation ceremony" in front of family and friends, he said. The important thing is that all parties agree that young people get opportunities, young people get the chance to do community service. Our 'V' programme is already doing that Gordon Brown
He added that it would be "a massive change in our national life" and "a new shared experience for every teenager".
The Tory leader first proposed a form of national service for young people after he was elected to the job in 2005.The Tory leader first proposed a form of national service for young people after he was elected to the job in 2005.
He told the Sun the cost of the scheme had not yet been worked out, but it would ultimately save the country money by cutting crime and anti-social behaviour. He said the cost of the scheme had not yet been worked out, but it would ultimately save money by cutting crime and anti-social behaviour.
Labour is in favour of more recognition of, and a greater role for, the voluntary sector and Gordon Brown has proposed a day to celebrate the British national identity - although they reject Conservative claims of a "broken society".
Downing Street also said that Mr Brown had launched a scheme to encourage teenagers to volunteer, called V, in May 2006.
Asked about the proposal, Mr Brown said: "I think the important thing is that all parties agree that young people get opportunities, young people get the chance to do community service. Our 'V' programme is already doing that."
But he said it was "only part of the issue" and must be undertaken alongside school discipline and leadership.