Minister 'concerned' over treatment of female troops

A defence minister has said he is "deeply concerned" women in the military were still being targeted with "unacceptable and criminal behaviour" after the suicide of a teenage soldier.

In February a coroner found "systemic" failures had contributed to the death of Royal Artillery Gunner Jaysley Beck, who took her own life at Larkhill Camp in Wiltshire on 15 December 2021.

Responding to a written parliamentary question today, Lord Coaker said there was no place for any abuse in the armed forces.

"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," he added.

A coroner ruled at the Salisbury inquest last month that the Army's failure to take action after Gunner Beck, 19, 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.

Lord Coaker added that "a range of substantive measures" such as "powerful sanctions" for cases of bullying, harassment and discrimination, would help "build a safer, more inclusive environment" for armed forces personnel.

There would also be "zero-tolerance policies on unacceptable sexual behaviour, sexual offences and sexual relationships between instructors and trainees, sexual exploitation, and abuse," he said.

The government is also putting in place an armed forces commissioner who will work as an "independent champion" who can investigate complaints, he explained.

"Those who believe they have experienced or witnessed unacceptable behaviour are strongly encouraged to report it," Lord Coaker said.

"All allegations are thoroughly investigated and if proven can lead to the termination of service of the perpetrator."

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