Harrogate MP calls for independent investigation of rape claims at army colleges
Joint letter urges Defence Secretary to appoint civilian specialists for inquiry
Tom Gordon, the Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, has signed a joint letter to the Defence Secretary outlining his concerns after the launch of an investigation into rape and abuse claims at multiple army colleges.
Mr Gordon suggests there is a risk victims will feel unable to speak following the decision to hand the investigation to the Armed Forces Commissioner, Polly Miller-Perkins.
Given Ms. Perkins long record of service, some victims have voiced concerns about such a senior figure within the military overseeing the investigation. The letter therefore urges the Defence Secretary to appoint independent, civilian specialists in sexual violence and trauma to support the Commissioner’s work.
The letter also requests the Defence Secretary outline what funding will be available to assist the investigation, whether the findings will be published in full and laid before parliament, and for allegations of rape and serious sexual assault arising from this work to be referred to civilian police and prosecuting authorities, rather than the service justice system.
Call for independent oversight
Tom Gordon said: “The young people who join our Armed Forces deserve to know they will be safe and treated with dignity and respect. But it is clear that in many army colleges there is a culture which leaves female cadets, in particular, feeling afraid and vulnerable.
“It is unacceptable, and those who propagate such a culture have no place in our military. These allegations are incredibly serious and warrant a thorough, considered, well-funded investigation to restore trust.”
What do the MOD say?
“We welcome independent scrutiny and that’s why the Government created the Armed Forces Commissioner role, to provide this sort of external advice and challenge.
“We look forward to engaging fully and cooperatively with the Commissioner’s work.
“We are committed to ensuring everyone beginning their military career receives the highest standards of training, welfare and support in a safe and professional environment.”
On AFC Harrogate an Army spokesperson said:
“Unacceptable and criminal behaviour has absolutely no place in our Armed Forces and we encourage anyone who has experienced or witnessed unacceptable or criminal behaviour at the Army Foundation College to come forward.
“We know this can be difficult and that’s why changes have been made in recent years to support victims, including the right to report crimes directly to civilian emergency services.
“The College welcomes external scrutiny and challenge and has received an outstanding report from Ofsted.”