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Written Question
Armed Forces: Equality
Wednesday 28th February 2024

Asked by: Richard Drax (Conservative - South Dorset)

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he plans to take to review the potential impact of the number of (a) diversity, (b) inclusion and (c) gender-based initiatives on morale in the Armed Forces.

Answered by Andrew Murrison

The Secretary of State has ordered a review of all equality, diversity and inclusivity policies across the Armed Forces and Ministry of Defence to ensure that all those who are willing and able to serve our nation are able to freely do so in an environment which is welcoming to all, but that no policy distracts from the priority of defending our nation and being able to fight our enemies in a more dangerous age.

We will only meet current and future security challenges and threats if all our people, regardless of background, are confident that their efforts, skills and experience are properly recognised, and they are able to achieve their full potential.

Speech in Commons Chamber - Mon 13 Jun 2022
Oral Answers to Questions

"I am going to follow up that question, I am afraid. NATO does outnumber Russia, it is true, but we have to have the weight, muscle and mass, to a certain extent, to react in the event, God forbid, of some form of confrontation with Russia. I ask my hon. …..."
Richard Drax - View Speech

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Speech in Commons Chamber - Tue 26 Apr 2022
Ukraine

"It is a pleasure to take part in this debate. I start by praising the Prime Minister and commending the Government. The Prime Minister showed huge courage in going to Ukraine as he did, within range of artillery. That is exactly the sort of leadership we would expect from our …..."
Richard Drax - View Speech

View all Richard Drax (Con - South Dorset) contributions to the debate on: Ukraine
Speech in Commons Chamber - Mon 28 Mar 2022
Oral Answers to Questions

"I commend the United Kingdom for all it is doing to help our NATO allies, but I make this point to the Minister, from one soldier to another. He said earlier that, if circumstances change, the policy changes. I do not excuse myself for again asking the Government to rethink …..."
Richard Drax - View Speech

View all Richard Drax (Con - South Dorset) contributions to the debate on: Oral Answers to Questions
Speech in Commons Chamber - Wed 09 Mar 2022
Defence Supplementary Estimate 2021-22

"I would be inept if I did not praise our Ukrainian friends and allies who are fighting with such courage against such appalling odds with little more than the kit we have given them and their training. It really is awe-inspiring and humbling to see what is being done by …..."
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View all Richard Drax (Con - South Dorset) contributions to the debate on: Defence Supplementary Estimate 2021-22
Speech in Commons Chamber - Wed 09 Mar 2022
Defence Supplementary Estimate 2021-22

"Absolutely, my right hon. Friend makes my point.

Before I sit down, may I just refer to my hon. Friend the Member for Henley (John Howell), who touched on tanks? It is worth pointing out that we must not be fooled about them. One hears that they are a thing …..."
Richard Drax - View Speech

View all Richard Drax (Con - South Dorset) contributions to the debate on: Defence Supplementary Estimate 2021-22
Speech in Commons Chamber - Mon 21 Feb 2022
Oral Answers to Questions

"My right hon. Friend said that the amount we spend on defence depends on the threats that we face. May I remind him that we cannot just conjure up battalions? May I also, like two Members from the Opposition Benches, please ask him to reverse this disastrous decision to reduce …..."
Richard Drax - View Speech

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Speech in Commons Chamber - Mon 21 Feb 2022
Ukraine

"I commend the Secretary of State and the Minister for the Armed Forces for the fantastic job that they are doing in very difficult circumstances. If Russia does invade, NATO countries, particularly the smaller ones and particularly the Baltic countries, will need our reassurance. Does the Secretary of State foresee …..."
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Speech in Commons Chamber - Tue 18 Jan 2022
Migrant Crossings: Role of the Military

"I welcome my hon. Friend’s statement. I do not see any problem with the Royal Navy getting involved with this issue. For weeks—for years—those on the Opposition Benches have been whingeing and whining that we are not doing enough. It is excellent that the military are taking control and that …..."
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Speech in Commons Chamber - Mon 10 Jan 2022
Oral Answers to Questions

"Thank you, Mr Speaker. May I, too, pass on my condolences to Jack’s family and friends? It is indeed a sad loss.

I am clutching at two words—Army estate—in asking this question. On a recent visit to the Special Boat Service—our Marines special forces—I was shocked to find that it …..."
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