Ministry of Defence still has 'work to be done' on its handling of complaints

The House of Commons Defence Committee has written to the Ministry of Defence (MOD) voicing continuing "serious concerns" about its handling of complaints, including those of sexual harassment and abuse.

Sarah Atherton MP chaired a sub-group on the Defence Committee which, in 2021, released a highly critical report on Women in the Armed Forces, finding that the MOD was failing to protect female personnel.

Today she has written to Defence Minister Dr Andrew Murrison, stating that the "Government cannot lose focus on this issue".

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The Defence Committee published anonymous whistle-blower evidence from MOD medics in May, who revealed unacceptable behaviour towards female servicewomen and poor handling of complaints.

In Ms Atherton's letter, she wrote: "Incidences of sexual assault, harassment and misogynistic bullying within the services are appalling and are still a reality for many serving women."

The MP added: "When these incidences do occur, female service personnel should feel able to make a complaint without fearing that this will negatively impact their career." 

She said "advocating for women in the Armed Forces remains an ongoing commitment for the Defence Committee", adding: "I look forward to continuing our scrutiny of this area and hearing further evidence on the Government’s plans to ensure women are treated as true equals in the military."

In response, an MOD spokesperson said: "The majority of women have thriving careers in our Armed Forces and we must not forget that.

"However, we agree that there is still work to be done for those that have suffered completely unacceptable behaviours.

"It will not be tolerated and we want women and all our personnel to have the confidence that reported offences will be taken seriously.  

"As part of this commitment to all our personnel, we launched the independent Serious Crime Unit – empowered to investigate crimes anywhere in the world – and have made sure that complaints of bullying, harassment or discrimination are dealt with outside of the chain of command."

The spokesperson continued: "These measures sit alongside wider improvements such as a new victim and witness care unit and new zero-tolerance policies, which will ensure that anyone convicted of a sexual offence will be discharged from service and any instructor found to have had a sexual relationship with a trainee student will be discharged."