Minister 'deeply concerned' over sex crimes against female troops
It follows the suicide of Jaysley Beck at Larkhill Camp in December 2021
A defence minister has said he is "deeply concerned" that women in the military continue to be the target of unacceptable and criminal sexual behaviour following the suicide of a teenage soldier.
Lord Coaker said there was no place for any abuse in the armed forces, and said the Government was working hard to stamp it out and improve the welfare and safety of female service personnel.
The Labour frontbencher was responding to a written parliamentary question asked by Liberal Democrat former leader Lord Campbell of Pittenweem after a coroner found "systemic" failures had contributed to the death of Royal Artillery Gunner Jaysley Beck.
The 19-year-old took her own life at Larkhill Camp in Wiltshire on December 15, 2021.
A coroner ruled at the Salisbury inquest last month that the Army's failure to take action after Gunner Beck was harassed by her line manager contributed to her death.
He also ruled that "on the balance of probabilities" she had been sexually assaulted by another senior colleague, and the Army's failure to take appropriate action "more than minimally" contributed to her death.
The Army subsequently apologised and said it "should have done so much more to support and protect" Gunner Beck.
Responding to Lord Campbell in a written answer, Lord Coaker said: "I am deeply concerned that women in the armed forces continue to be subject to unacceptable and criminal sexual behaviours during their service in the armed forces.
"I am clear there is no place for any abuse or unacceptable behaviours within the military.
"This Government is working hard to support our personnel, stamp out unacceptable behaviour and enhance the welfare and safety of female members of the Armed Forces.
"We are committed to making changes that create a more inclusive environment and enable cultural reform."
He added: "Our armed forces personnel play a vital role in protecting the nation, and a range of substantive measures - many already introduced - will help to build a safer, more inclusive environment for them and ensure that their concerns are listened to, and swift appropriate action is taken.
"These measures include robust policies with powerful sanctions which tackle bullying, harassment, and discrimination, including zero-tolerance policies on unacceptable sexual behaviour, sexual offences and sexual relationships between instructors and trainees, sexual exploitation, and abuse.
"This Government is also establishing an armed forces commissioner as a new independent champion with the power to investigate issues raised by service personnel and their families."
Lord Coaker went on: "In addition, all personnel now complete annual mandatory training to ensure they know and show the standards of behaviour and professionalism the armed forces expect.
"Those who believe they have experienced or witnessed unacceptable behaviour are strongly encouraged to report it. All allegations are thoroughly investigated and if proven can lead to the termination of service of the perpetrator.
"These changes are being embedded throughout our culture, policies, and enduring practices across every part of the armed forces.
"However, there is more work to do, and it is important to make lasting and effective change.
"This Government has stepped up efforts to bring about crucial reform and provide a place where people are proud to work and have faith in the service justice system.
"I expect that such change will give service personnel the confidence they need to report sexual offences and inappropriate behaviours, knowing they will be listened to.
"I am clear that everyone must play a role in building and upholding the respectful, professional environment we all need to thrive."
He highlighted the creation of the Defence Serious Crime Unit (DSCU) in 2022 and the Victim and Witness Care Unit (VWCU) in 2023.