VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Armed Forces: Bullying and Harassment

Asked by James CartlidgeConservativeMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 5 March 2025UIN 33509

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many service personnel have been discharged as a result of the Zero Tolerance to Unacceptable Sexual Behaviour policy across Defence.

Answered by Al Carns

47 Service personnel were discharged under the Zero Tolerance to Unacceptable Sexual Behaviour policy, between its implementation in November 2022 and the end of the most recent reporting period in September 2024. The policy carries with it a presumption of discharge.

56 Service personnel were discharged under the Zero Tolerance to Sexual Offences (Instructor/Trainee Sexual Relationships) policy, between its implementation in July 2022 and the end of the most recent reporting period in September 2024. Discharge is mandatory under this policy.

Defence is committed to preventing unacceptable behaviours from occurring and we have zero tolerance for such behaviour. We are also committed to making the step changes required to create a safe and inclusive environment for all our Service personnel, enabling us to deliver our Defence outputs and enhance our operational effectiveness.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim