Sir Michael Caine wants to bring back national service.

The 91-year-old actor — who was on active duty in the Korean War as part of his compulsory stint with the British army between 1952 and 1994 – thinks young people should have to serve their country for a period of time because it will teach them a lot and help them to “grow up”.

In an extract from his memoir ‘Don’t Look Back, You’ll Trip Over’ obtained by Sunday Times magazine, he declared: “I would bring back national service. I don’t mean young people should go to war — nothing like that. I’d make it six months rather than two years, like it used to be. But being 18 years old and serving your country, it teaches you a lot. You grow up.”