Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans his Department has to mark International Men's Day on 19 November 2019.

No one should suffer unfair treatment because of their gender. Every year International Men's Day offers an opportunity to highlight how outcomes for men and boys can be improved and to talk about some of the important work going on every day across Government to do this.

The work ranges from the introduction of shared parental leave, which allows men to take time away from the workplace and bond with their new children, benefiting that crucial long-term relationship for both parent and child, to our programme tackling LGBT bullying in schools which seeks to protect those who may be victimised by outdated and stereotypical ideas of what it means to be a 'real man'. Government is also working with local authorities to ensure their suicide prevention plans support more men.

Throughout the month of November, Defence is encouraging all personnel to take part in Movember to remind and support each other on important issues surrounding men's physical and mental health.