Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the oral evidence from Air Marshal Richard Knighton to the Defence Committee on 8 November 2022, HC 726, whether the zero tolerance policy for unacceptable sexual behaviour will apply to trainees in phase one military establishments.

The 'Zero tolerance to unacceptable sexual behaviour: A victim / survivor focussed approach' policy sets out a presumption of discharge from the Service for those who are found, after investigation and to the civil standard of proof (balance of probability), to have engaged in unacceptable sexual behaviour. It applies to all Armed Forces personnel, including Phase 1 trainees.