Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, on what date the new policy allowing people living with HIV to join the UK Armed Forces will be implemented.

Recognising advancements in its medical management, on World AIDS Day last year the Government announced that being HIV positive will no longer be a barrier to serving in uniform. As a modern and inclusive employer, we are making changes that will make it easier for those with HIV to pursue an Armed Forces career.

Since the announcement on World AIDS day, those using PrEP have been able to join and serve in the Armed Forces without restrictions. Armed Forces employment policies and recruitment processes have been revised to allow this.

For those living with HIV who wish to join and serve without restrictions, a number of medical policy changes are expected to be agreed by the end of March 2022, with implementation following shortly after. A further Government announcement will be made about this to inform the public.

Serving personnel living with HIV can already be considered fully fit for operations, subject to a satisfactory risk assessment outcome. Proposed policy changes will remove the requirement for a formal risk assessment. Implementation of the revised policy will see affected personnel reviewed in accordance with existing processes, with medical restrictions being removed as appropriate.

In addition to these important policy changes, Defence has committed funding to extend and improve its sexual health promotion and testing campaign. Defence primary healthcare and other clinical care providers are continuing to receive enhanced education, in order to broaden the access to sexual health services for all serving Armed Forces personnel.