Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many armed forces veterans were in prison on 25 December 2018.

All offenders coming into custody are asked at reception if they have previously served in the Armed Forces. The department publishes this data quarterly and the numbers declaring has remained stable at approximately 3.5% - 4%.

Ministry of Justice Experimental Statistics published annually (October 2018) indicated that there were at least 2,032 former members of the Armed Services in prison as at 30 June 2018. Details can be found at https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/750708/ex-service-personnel-prison-population-2018.pdf

The Ministry of Justice recognises the unique nature of those who served in the Armed Forces and those prisoners who declare a military background are able to access a range of specialist support, including from military charities who deliver services in prisons.