Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what written guidance exists under JSP 767 to assist commanding officers and training establishments in distinguishing between lawful expression of opinion and unacceptable behaviour during training and education, and on how many occasions since 1 January 2015 disciplinary or administrative action relating to expressed views has been reviewed centrally for policy compliance.

I can advise the hon. Member that JSP 767 does not exist.

Each Service has their own set of core values and standards that should be adhered to at all times. These can be viewed online:

• Royal Navy: https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/organisation/our-people/our-values
• Army: https://www.army.mod.uk/learn-and-explore/about-the-army/values-and-standards/
• Royal Air Force: https://recruitment.raf.mod.uk/media/ig5dhw0z/20200703-raf_ap1_2019_rev_3_page_spreads.pdf

Minor Administrative Action guidance is contained in Joint Service Publication 833 (Minor Administrative Action) which sets out an individual’s rights during the process. This includes the right to review at a higher level than that at which it is initiated. In addition, a Service person who considers themselves to have been wronged in a matter relating to their service has the right to submit a Service complaint, seeking redress of individual grievance.

Service Complaints guidance is published within Joint Service Publication 831 (Redress of Individual Grievances (Service Complaints)). This includes a Complainant’s right to appeal if they disagree with the decision of their Service Complaint, and also how they can ask the Armed Forces Commissioner to investigate issues relating to the outcome of their complaint if they are dissatisfied. Furthermore, all Complainants and Respondents are entitled to the services of an Assisting Officer whose role is to support and help them throughout the process.

Defence remains committed to decisive, evidence-based action to protect our people and uphold the highest standards for everyone.