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Armed Forces: Training

Asked by Stuart AndersonConservativeMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 7 September 2026UIN 21566

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 70 of his Department's Strategic Defence Review, published on 2 June 2025, what progress his Department has made on developing a plan to prioritise and address the structural, behavioural, and leadership barriers to the creation of a more representative and meritocratic workforce that delivers a more capable warfighting and deterrent force.

Answered by Ministry of Defence

Defence is committed to tackling unacceptable behaviour and delivering lasting culture change through the Raising our Standards programme, the authority for delivering consistently high standards of behaviour, trust and people assurance. This activity is key to the operational effectiveness of the UK Armed Forces and driving an inclusive and safe culture for all.

The programme is strengthening leadership accountability, embedding clear expectations, simplifying processes, reinforcing them through training and education, and ensuring clearer routes for reporting so concerns can be raised without fear of reprisal. It is governed and overseen by the Defence Board, Executive Committee and Ministers, with independent scrutiny provided by the External Challenge and Defence Voices Panels.

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