Written question asked by Anneliese Dodds (Labour) on Tuesday, 12 July 2022, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 14 July 2022. It was answered by Leo Docherty (Conservative) on Tuesday, 19 July 2022 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Armed Forces: Sexual Offences

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department’s response to the Defence Sub-Committee’s report, Women in the Armed Forces: From Recruitment to Civilian Life, published on 2 December 2021, whether the review of policy to strengthen levers available to dismiss or discharge those who are found to have committed sexual offences or unacceptable sexual behaviour has completed.

Answer: The Ministry of Defence's 'Zero Tolerance to Sexual Offending and Sexual Relationships Between in Instructors and Trainees' policy came into force on 31 March 2022. Under this policy, all Service persons who are convicted of a sexual offence, or who are placed on the Sex Offenders Register, will be dismissed from the Armed Forces. Further policies to address other unacceptable sexual behaviours will be published shortly.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 35047
Session: 2022-23
Related items: Protecting those who protect us: women in the armed forces from recruitment to civilian life: Government response to the Committee’s second report of session 2021-22. Defence Committee fourth special report.
Tuesday, 30 November 2021
Parliamentary committees
House of Commons
Subjects: Armed forces Discharges Sexual offences
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk