Oral Answers to Questions

Carol Monaghan Excerpts

Monday 7th November 2022 Commons Chamber

[Dr Murrison]

My hon. Friend is right about this. Not recruiting is bad, but recruiting and then not retaining is even worse, for very obvious reasons. Defence recognises the need to improve matters, both for the regulars and the reserves, where the issue of inflow and outflow is pretty much the same. I have already this afternoon outlined a range of measures that are being put in place to improve retention, and I look forward very much to the Haythornthwaite review for incentivisation that we expect in the spring.

[Carol Monaghan (Glasgow North West) (SNP)]

The very youngest recruits into the armed forces, the 16 and 17-year-olds, will attend the Army Foundation College in Harrogate. However, there have been very concerning reports that an instructor at the college has been charged with more than 20 offences, including at least five sexual assaults against 16-year-old girls. Can the Minister detail to Members here today how these young recruits will be properly safeguarded at the college?

[Mr Speaker]

I am just a little bit concerned about this. If somebody has been charged, we should not be mentioning them. It could be sub judice.

[Carol Monaghan]

The issue of safeguarding?