Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many people currently serving a prison sentence were previously members of the armed forces.

Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service records previous service in the Armed Forces as part of the reception process for newly received prisoners. Information on previous service does not distinguish between those who have served in the British Armed Forces or those of another nation. Those who choose to declare previous service may be referring to time spent with the UK forces or with those of another country.

As of 30 June 2020, there were 1,406 prisoners serving a custodial sentence in England and Wales who had declared former military service.