Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Armed Forces Recruitment

Monday 7 November 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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Retention and recruitment are both crucial for the armed forces
  • Measures are being implemented to improve retention rates for regulars and reserves
  • A review is expected in spring to further incentivise retention

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Duncan Baker
Defence
Context

The MP noted the importance of armed forces personnel due to ongoing conflicts globally. He highlighted North Norfolk's rich military history, with many veterans in his constituency concerned about the issue.

Question

My constituency has a proud military history, but in the past 22 years, only six years have seen more inflow than outflow of personnel into UK regular forces. Can my right hon. Friend assure me that for the armed forces, retention is as important as recruitment?

Answer from Andrew Murrison

Retention and recruitment are both crucial; not recruiting is bad, but recruiting without retaining is worse. Defence recognises the need for improvement in retention rates for regulars and reserves, with measures being implemented and a review expected in spring to incentivise retention.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions or figures related to retention improvements were not provided beyond mentioning ongoing measures and an upcoming review.

How: Under Review

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Q2 Duncan Baker
Defence Veterans
Context

The MP highlighted the importance of armed forces in light of global conflicts and his constituency's military heritage.

Question

With war on the continent, our armed forces are crucial. North Norfolk has a proud military history with many veterans concerned about this issue. Can my right hon. Friend assure me that for the armed forces, retention is as important as recruitment?

Answer from Andrew Murrison

Retention and recruitment are both crucial; not recruiting is bad, but recruiting without retaining is worse. Defence recognises the need for improvement in retention rates for regulars and reserves, with measures being implemented and a review expected in spring to incentivise retention.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions or figures related to retention improvements were not provided beyond mentioning ongoing measures and an upcoming review.

How: Under Review

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Q3 Carol Monaghan SNP
Defence Safeguarding & DBS
Context

The MP raised concerns about an instructor at the Army Foundation College charged with multiple offences, including sexual assaults against 16-year-old girls.

Question

Young recruits attend the Army Foundation College. There have been concerning reports about an instructor being charged for over 20 offences, including five sexual assaults on 16-year-olds. How will these young recruits be properly safeguarded at the college?

Answer from Andrew Murrison

The matter is under review, and I cannot comment much further than that. I hope this satisfies the hon. Lady.

Not addressed: No specific details or actions were provided regarding safeguarding measures for young recruits.

How: Under Review

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