Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will review his Department's policy on the right of armed forces personnel to join a (a) trades union and (b) political party.

Regular Armed Forces personnel may become members of civilian trade unions and political parties. Armed Forces personnel are however not permitted to participate in industrial action or take any active part in the affairs of political organisation, party or movement. Personnel are expected to abide by Queen's Regulations and act in accordance with Service values and standards.