Women in the Armed Forces Defence Committee Recommendations 2025-11-03
2025-11-03
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The Defence Committee’s report “Protecting those who protect us: Women in the Armed Forces from Recruitment to Civilian Life” highlighted issues faced by women in the armed forces, including a lack of appropriate tactical equipment.
Our servicewomen urgently need investment in female-specific tactical equipment, particularly bras and body armour. What steps is the Minister taking to provide funding for research, development and implementation of kit for the female anatomy and to ensure that fitting services and task-appropriate provision are standard across the forces?
The hon. Member makes a good point, and as someone who had to wear the body armour, I am fully on board. Progress is under way to address the very points she mentions.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific steps or funding amounts for research, development, and implementation of female-specific tactical equipment were not provided.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
A case involving Royal Artillery Gunner Jaysley Beck, who committed suicide after being sexually assaulted and failed by the military, highlights the need for better protection and independent handling of complaints.
Royal Artillery Gunner Jaysley Beck committed suicide after being sexually assaulted and failed by the military. Can the Minister explain what is being done to ensure that women serving in our armed forces are protected from abuse and that complaints are handled with independence, compassion and the seriousness that they deserve?
My hon. Friend raises an important case, and I am sure that everybody who read the report into Jaysley-Louise Beck’s death would agree that it was a hugely tragic and deeply saddening case. There is a duty on me—one which I feel very deeply—to make sure that we do everything we can to address the behaviours my hon. Friend mentioned. The Raising our Standards programme is addressing cultural behaviours to strengthen leadership and ensure that when complaints like this are made they are dealt with appropriately. We are also establishing an Armed Forces Commissioner to make sure that where any investigation into these types of behaviours is taken out, we can have full trust in the service to do right by any service personnel, whether they are at the lowest ranks or the highest.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific measures for immediate protection against abuse and independent handling of complaints were not detailed.
Response accuracy