Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will bring forward proposals to amend the Armed Forces Act 2006 to introduce more stringent procedures to deal with sexual harassment and sexual assault in the armed forces.

Sexual harassment and assault is unacceptable - whether in the Armed Forces or across wider society. There are a number of processes and safeguards in place across the Armed Forces to ensure that victims of such offences are properly supported and that any allegations are properly investigated.

As was made clear during the recent passage of the Armed Forces Act (2016), the Ministry of Defence is reviewing the very limited circumstances in which a Commanding Officer ensures that an allegation of sexual assault (where that allegation does not have to be referred direct to the Service Police) is appropriately investigated. The review is likely to take until the end of the year and the outcome will be reported to both Houses. Any necessary legislative changes could be effected through secondary legislation, subject to the affirmative procedure.