Rules Preventing Overseas Recruits Are "Daft"

An MP has called for residency rules that stop recruits from British Overseas Territories joining the Armed Forces to be scrapped.

Speaking during a debate on Defence spending estimates in the Commons, Conservative MP Andrew Bowie said residency requirement for those living in British Overseas Territories was "borderline discriminatory" and was doing British subjects a "huge disservice".

He said that at a time of recruitment problems in the Armed Forces, "willing volunteers" were being denied the chance to serve.

"These territories are British by choice and their residents are British subjects, however despite being a loyal citizen, a holder of a British passport, being fit and able and willing, individuals are still ineligible to serve in the Armed Forces of this country unless they reside on the British mainland for five whole years."

Mr Bowie said the rule was "daft" at a time of recruitment problems in the Armed Forces.

"We have heard many times this year that Britain is charting a new course in the world, re-establishing relationships with allies old and friends new.

"What better signal to the outside world that this truly is a global Britain than by granting citizens of our Overseas Territories the same rights as citizens living on these islands.

"What better way of honouring the commitment to this country of citizens of our  Overseas Territories throughout the years than by removing this residency requirement and allowing British subjects, wherever in our global family they reside, to serve without restriction in the Armed Forces of this country?"

Cover image is courtesy of PA.