Armed Forces Paternity Leave
2026-06-01
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The question follows recent discussions on bereavement leave for new parents in the armed forces.
What recent estimate has been made of the number of men in the armed forces taking paternity leave in the latest period for which data is available?
The armed forces occupational paternity leave scheme provides equivalent arrangements to statutory provision, including full pay. In 2025, 1,684 service personnel took paternity leave.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from a recommendation by the Women and Equalities Committee for increasing parental leave to at least six weeks.
Does the Minister agree that all dads need quality time to support the other parent and bond with newborns, and that armed forces families are owed that vital time together?
I would welcome a meeting with her to discuss the issue further, but I did not explicitly agree or disagree with the recommendation for six weeks of parental leave.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific agreement or disagreement on six-week parental leave was avoided
Welcoming A Meeting
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The question addresses the promotion of life in the Army as normal and equal to civilian life, including benefits.
What will the Minister do to ensure that everyone knows about the opportunities and benefits of joining the forces during recruitment?
We offer a range of benefits, beyond pay, to our armed forces recruits when they begin a career. We should highlight the package in the round during recruitment efforts.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific actions or timeline for promoting opportunities were not provided
Response accuracy