Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Gender Inequalities: Armed Forces

Wednesday 13 July 2022 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Women are an integral part of the armed forces and recommendations from the Defence Committee's report have been adopted almost entirely after testing.
  • The Ministry of Defence commits to a 30% in-flow target of women by 2030 and has improved equipment, uniforms, and introduced wraparound care.
  • The Government acknowledges the importance of gender equality in the military and will provide a formal response to the report addressing recommendations.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Sarah Atherton
Women & Equalities Veterans
Context

The Defence Committee's report highlighted gender inequalities for women in the military, prompting discussions on progress and commitments to improve conditions.

Question

What discussions has she had with the Secretary of State for Defence on tackling gender inequalities in the armed forces? The Defence Committee's report contained important recommendations that have been tested and adopted almost entirely. We are committed to a 30% in-flow target of women into the military by 2030, improved equipment, uniforms, and childcare support.

Answer from Leo Docherty

Women are an integral part of our armed forces. Recommendations from the hon. Member's report have been adopted almost entirely after testing them with the Army Servicewomen's Network. We aim for a 30% in-flow target of women by 2030, have improved equipment and uniforms, and introduced wraparound childcare support.

Answered
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Q2 Sarah Atherton
Defence Women & Equalities
Context

Following the Defence Committee's report, which highlighted gender inequalities for women in the military, there has been good progress noted on the ground.

Question

Since the Ministry of Defence committed to hosting an international Five Eyes conference to share best practice following the committee's report on gender equality in the military, will she commit to attending this conference with me?

Answer from Leo Docherty

Yes.

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Q3 Martin Docherty SNP
Defence Women & Equalities
Context

Following a report from the Defence Sub-Committee chaired by Sarah Atherton, concerns were raised about gender equality in the armed forces, specifically regarding rape cases remaining within the court martial system.

Question

If the Government are taking gender equality seriously in the military and have learned from the Sub-Committee's report, why do they not ensure that rape cases go to civilian courts instead of being handled by an unequal court martial system?

Answer from Leo Docherty

When the hon. Member sees the formal response to the report, he will have no doubt that we are taking note of these recommendations in absolute earnest. Feedback from young women serving shows they should look forward to service life with terrific role models.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commitment to moving rape cases to civilian courts was not addressed

How: Feedback From Servicewomen, Role Models

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