Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Sexual Harassment against Women in the Military

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 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • We have met Salute Her and follow their recommendations
  • The work following the Wigston review is important and will be carried out at pace across defence
  • The Government look forward to the recommendations of Lord Etherton and will take them seriously

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Nia Griffith Lab Llanelli
Defence Veterans
Context

A recent Ministry of Defence survey showed that one in seven women in the armed forces has been subject to sexual harassment in the past 12 months alone.

Question

What steps are being taken to tackle sexual harassment against women in the military? I recommend contacting Salute Her, an organisation supporting women veterans who suffered sexual abuse. Their stories are harrowing and highlight the need for action.

Answer from Leo Docherty

We have met Salute Her and follow their recommendations. The work following the Wigston review is important, and we will carry out its recommendations at pace across defence.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer does not specify new commitments or actions beyond acknowledging previous meetings and reviews.

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Q2 Nia Griffith Lab Llanelli
Veterans
Context

A recent Ministry of Defence survey showed that one in seven women in the armed forces has been subject to sexual harassment in the past 12 months alone.

Question

If the Minister has not already done so, I recommend that he make contact with Salute Her. It supports women veterans who suffered sexual abuse and their stories are harrowing. What more can be done to work with colleagues throughout the armed forces to root out that dreadful culture?

Answer from Leo Docherty

I have met Salute Her and we pay attention to its recommendations. The work following the Wigston review is important, and I commend the work by my hon. Friend. That body of work will be carried out at pace across defence.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer does not specify new commitments or actions beyond acknowledging previous meetings and reviews.

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Q3 James Gray Con
Women & Equalities
Context

Before 2001, LGBTQ+ service people were routinely court-martialled, dismissed, or lost their pensions and right to wear medals.

Question

What more can be done to put that demonstrable injustice right? It is no good setting up a committee—we want it sorted.

Answer from Leo Docherty

I share my hon. Friend's frustration. The Government look forward to the recommendations of Lord Etherton, and we will take them very seriously.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer does not specify new commitments or actions beyond looking forward to future recommendations.

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