Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Women in the Armed Forces: Defence Committee Recommendations

Monday 3 November 2025 · 2 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

  • Ministerial Questions addressed issues regarding investment in female-specific tactical equipment for servicewomen.
  • The Minister acknowledged the urgent need for funding research and development of equipment suited to the female anatomy.
  • Concerns were raised about protecting women in the armed forces from abuse and ensuring independent and compassionate handling of complaints.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Charlotte Cane Lib Dem Ely and East Cambridgeshire
Veterans
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.

Question

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?

Answer from The Minister for Veterans and People (Louise Sandher-Jones)

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps or funding amounts for research, development, and implementation of female-specific tactical equipment were not provided.

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Q2 Kim Johnson Lab Liverpool Riverside
Women & Equalities Veterans
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.

Question

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?

Answer from The Minister for Veterans and People (Louise Sandher-Jones)

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific measures for immediate protection against abuse and independent handling of complaints were not detailed.

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