Armed Forces: Bullying

(asked on 12th May 2022) - View Source

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department has taken to prevent assault and harassment occurring as part of military initiation rituals.


Answered by
Leo Docherty Portrait
Leo Docherty
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for the Armed Forces)
This question was answered on 17th May 2022

Initiation ceremonies are prohibited within Defence and any form of involvement is considered unacceptable. We are clear that our people should not organise, participate in or be present at any form of initiation ceremony. Soliciting or coercing another person to undertake any such activity will also not be tolerated. Allegations concerning initiation ceremonies will be formally investigated, including by the Service Police if a crime is alleged to have been committed. If substantiated it may result in disciplinary, administrative, or misconduct action being taken.

The Ministry of Defence is committed to the welfare of its people, and we are taking a wide range of action to prevent any form of assault or harassment occurring, including through mandatory training.

Reticulating Splines