South east Londoners are divided over the potential reintroduction of the national service if the Tories win the general election in July.

The government's proposal would make it mandatory for 18-year-olds to either serve a full-time placement in the armed forces for a year or commit to community volunteering once a month for the same duration.

The reintroduction of the national service has sparked fierce debate from those in south east London.

Commenting on the issue on Facebook, Ann Cridland said: "It would be good for young people to become well-rounded, learn new skills and give something back.

She added: "It gets people of different classes and religions together building social cohesion.

"It's what we need right now."

Other south east Londoners like Michelle Vincent and William James Quinton both agreed, saying the scheme would teach teenagers "discipline, honour and respect".

Michelle Vincent added: "National service would teach respect and camaraderie, and maybe give them a skill."

However, the proposal was far from universally accepted.

Gemma Johnson answered, simply: "Absolutely not.

"Why should my child fight wars our govt has caused?"

Tim Fisher was equally critical of the proposed plan, calling it "absolutely ridiculous".

The south east Londoner said: "The armed forces personnel combined would fit into Wembley, not because they cant recruit but the Government has cut their numbers in the last 10 years.

"Universities will loose students and seek to make up the financial shortfall with overseas students."

Theresa Hunt said that "not in a million years" would she support the reintroduction of national service.

The Tories have framed this proposed policy as a remedy to challenges, such as helping NHS services, and tackling loneliness by supporting charities for elderly and isolated individuals.

However, the opposition has dismissed the Tories' proposal as a "gimmick", with Labour saying the pledge amounts to "another unfunded commitment".