ONE of the most heated debates at this year’s SNP conference will be on the age the army is allowed to recruit.

A motion proposed by the SNP’s youth wing, and backed by 17 MSPs, one MP and 12 local branches calls for the UK Government “to work towards raising the minimum armed forces recruitment age from 16 to 18 for all roles that require combat training”.

This, they argue, should “form a part of the SNP’s Defence Policy for an independent Scotland.”

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But MPs Stewart McDonald and Carol Monaghan, who make up the party’s Westminster Defence Team, will call for conference to all but scrap the Youth motion.

They have proposed an amendment which would backs 16 year olds joining the military, but would keep young recruits away from “active duty” until aged 18.

It’s been a big debate in the SNP for the last couple of years, one that has, at times, pitted MSPs and the youth wing, against MPs.

Rory Steel, from Young Scots for Independence, told The National, the amendment being put foward by McDonald and Monaghan, would result in the current “Tory status quo.”

“The policy is about the human rights, welfare, education and social mobility of young people,” Steel said.

“Even if it only concerns a small number of people, it is hugely important. It is working class men who feel they have nowhere else to go who are being targeted and for the most dangerous roles. That’s exploitation and for us, it has to be stopped.”

He added: “The amendment is the current Tory status quo. Every other mainstream party wants to at the very least review recruitment policy. The SNP and Scotland pride ourselves on our progressive thinking and for promoting human rights.

“We should further that cause by heeding the advice of human rights groups such as the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child.”

At a meeting of the National Council in December a motion to make the position a formal policy, was opposed by party deputy leader Angus Robertson, Owen Thompson, and Corri Wilson.

This is the third time, SNP Youth have tried to get the policy adopted by the party. They’re sure they have the support of grassroots members.

“We wanted feedback from ordinary members, not just elected members, so we took the policy to as many branches as possible. Our motion reflects that feedback.

“The vast majority of branches we took the actual motion to voted to support. We also have the backing of 78 per cent of Scotland, 52 leading academics and the Child and Young Person’s Commissioner for Scotland.

“We’re hopeful it will pass, but we aren’t resting on our laurels.

“For the YSI, we’ve came so far and feel so strongly about it that we’re determined to see it through at all costs.”

Meanwhile, another row is brewing over the issues of tail docking.

SNP councillor Chris McEleny has expressed dismay at the party’s refusal to debate the controversial practice of cutting off a third of a working dog’s tail.

The SNP backed a vote allowing the practice in Holyrood earlier this year.

Greenock politician McEleny, who was a contender in last year’s contest to find a new deputy leader for the party, wanted to have the topic debated tomorrow, but the SNP’s standing orders and agenda committee rejected his motion.

McEleney said the decision was a slap in the face for party members.

“Too often we enjoy the comfort of opinion without the comfort of thought.

“That is exactly why it is important that we debate this issue, so that our party membership’s collective will determines what our opinions are.”