Nearly two decades after France phased out conscription for men, some 2,000 French teenagers yesterday began trialing a new National service, a pet project of President Emmanuel Macron.

For a fortnight, the 15- and 16-year-olds will leave home for training in first aid and other basic skills, followed by another two weeks of volunteering.
John Litchfield, London Independent Paris Correspondent and Independent Senator Gerard Craughwell joined Ivan to discuss their thoughts.