Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many people in prison in (a) Wales and (b) England were formerly members of the armed forces in each of the last five years.

We are unable to provide a breakdown as requested. The Ministry began collecting data on military service from 2015, when we made changes so every prisoner coming into custody in England and Wales is asked if they have served in the Armed Forces.

Latest figures published in April 2018 show approximately 3% of offenders who responded to the question were former members of the Armed Forces. This figure has remained reasonably consistent over an 18 month period.

The Ministry 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.