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Written question asked by Richard Holden (Conservative) on Tuesday, 7 July 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 9 July 2026. It was answered by Calvin Bailey (Labour) on Friday, 24 July 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.


Armed Forces: Recruitment

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 1 July 2026 to Question 11755, what circumstances have previously been regarded as constituting a justifiable business requirement for making reference to a candidate's protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010 in employer input on suitability for military appointments or promotions; and, for each such circumstance, what protected characteristic was considered.

Answer

Military appointments and promotions are based on merit, and protected characteristics are not used as selection criteria. Consequently, there is no centrally held record linking appointment or promotion decisions to candidates' protected characteristics.

All appointment and promotion decisions are made in accordance with relevant legislation and departmental policy.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
16613
Session
2026-27
Related items
Armed Forces: Recruitment
Wednesday, 1 July 2026
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects
Armed forces Career development Equality Recruitment
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk