Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans the UK has to include gender advisory capacity as part of its recognised military capability; whether the UK plans to contribute any full-time gender advisers to (a) the rapid reaction force announced by the Prime Minister on 8 September 2014 and (b) other NATO operations and missions in the near future; and if he will make a statement.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) recognises the importance of ensuring that our Armed Froces fully understand the importance of following best practice in relation to equality and diversity issues. That is why Equality and Diversity training is an integral part of the training and education which they receive throughout their careers.

NATO is still determining the exact force structure of the Very high Readiness Joint Taskforce It is, therefore, too early to comment on the specific UK contribution.