Royal Navy reaffirms its zero tolerance for sexual assault and exploitation
The Royal Navy has reaffirmed its zero tolerance of sexual assault and exploitation.
In a video statement, First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Ben Key said: "Let me be clear, the Royal Navy has zero tolerance for sexual assault and exploitation.
"Without fear or favour, regardless of rank or status, I will remove this abhorrent behaviour from anywhere within the Royal Navy."
The First Sea Lord was speaking after stories in recent weeks of behaviour affecting forces personnel.
He said: "I am sure I am not alone across the service in hearing the stories in recent weeks of utterly abhorrent behaviour affecting people who we have served alongside and how their lives have been impacted by the conduct which is just not acceptable in the Royal Navy today."
The First Sea Lord added that he was "saddened enormously" after hearing and reading some of the testimonies of the lives affected.
He expressed that he and the senior leaders of the service were "determined to root it out and to remove it from everywhere and anywhere with the Royal Navy".
Investigations are going on at the moment and the First Sea Lord said it would be "inappropriate" to comment on the detail of any of them.
However, he wanted to make it clear that "once those investigations are complete, where we are required to act, we will".
The First Sea Lord added: "Without fear or favour, regardless of rank or status. If people have acted wrongly they will be removed from the service.
"Defence's zero-tolerance policy is now in force and it is utterly clear and I am utterly clear, along with my fellow service chiefs who run the Army and the Royal Air Force, that those who do not wish to serve in accordance with the values and standards of life in the UK's Armed Forces will be removed."
Earlier this month the Second Sea Lord said sexual assault and harassment have "no place anywhere" in the Royal Navy, and there will be a "presumption of discharge from the service" for anyone found engaging in such behaviour.
Vice Admiral Martin Connell was speaking after the Navy's head ordered an investigation into "abhorrent" allegations of inappropriate conduct in the Submarine Service. The investigation will be led by a senior female officer.
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