A Norfolk Labour candidate has said there are "merits" to the Conservative Party's plans for a mandatory national service scheme.

Clive Lewis, who is standing in Norwich South, has endorsed the concept of "work experience in the military" amid ongoing controversy over Rishi Sunak's proposals to require 18-year-olds to complete an armed forces placement or community volunteering. 

The national service scheme has been described as a "desperate gimmick" by the Labour Party and has been subject to extensive criticism.

But Mr Lewis admitted that he supported aspects of the programme - which would include military placements in areas like logistics and cyber security.

Mr Lewis spoke to pupils at the City of Norwich SchoolMr Lewis spoke to pupils at the City of Norwich School (Image: Helen Spurway)

He said: "People thought national service was a joke proposal and I don't think anyone is serious about the compulsory use of young people in the military - it is completely unworkable.

"There are merits to work experience in the military, but that wasn't the proposal that first came out and the government has had to backtrack."

Mr Lewis - who is a former Territorial Army officer and served in Afghanistan - made the remarks at an event at the City of Norwich School where he appeared alongside Conservative candidate for Norwich South David Thomas.

READ MORE: Liz Truss watches England game in the pub... before skipping hustings

Conservative candidate David ThomasConservative candidate David Thomas (Image: Helen Spurway)

Mr Thomas said: "The national service policy is about giving people the opportunity to get experience of work and other opportunities when they leave education. 

"People will only be going into the military if they apply for that and want to go - it will bring more people into roles like cyber security and logistics and is a great way to create a pipeline."

Mr Lewis responded that he saw "no problem" with the scheme - as set out by Mr Thomas - but remained sceptical of the wider programme proposed by Rishi Sunak. 

The other candidates in Norwich South are Sean Bennett for the Lib Dems, Graham Burton for Reform UK, the Green's Jamie Osborn, Linda Law for the Party of Women and independent candidate Elizabeth Davey.