Sir, – The decision of Rishi Sunak to reintroduce national service for 18 year olds if the Tories win the UK general election would have big implications for Ireland, as a wave of British young people would migrate here to avoid it.
The common travel area allows we British to travel, reside and work here unrestricted. Post-Brexit, this opportunity does not exist for British citizens anywhere else in Europe.
This was the experience of Germany where prior to the fall of the Berlin Wall, West Germans could avoid “the draft” by moving to West Berlin where it didn’t apply. This made Berlin the most creative and artistic of German cities.
Perhaps Dublin will become “bohemian” as waves of Brits with alternative lifestyles arrive to avoid this bizarre policy initiative. – Is mise,
KENNETH HARPER,
Burtonport,
Co Donegal.