Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department has made a comparative an assessment of the career trajectories of (a) non-UK and (b) UK personnel.

Work is ongoing to better understand and improve the careers and lived experience of all members of our Armed Forces.

Defence will only meet current and future security challenges and threats if all our people, regardless of background, are confident that their efforts and skills are properly recognised, their individuality and experience respected, and are able to achieve their full potential.

The new Government’s work in improving retention and recruitment is part of a package of measures aimed to renew the contract between the nation and those who serve. We are modernising and refining our policies and processes to attract, and then retain the best possible talent, highlighting that Defence is a modern, forward-facing employer which offers a valuable and rewarding career. Our aim is to attract and recruit more, as well as maximise the number of applicants that successfully enter and remain in Armed Forces employment.