Written questions

Armed Forces: Equality

Commons · Question 16433 · Tabled 7 Jul 2026 · Ministry of Defence · Official record

Answered 14 Jul 2026

Question

Asked by Jim Shannon

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment has been made of the adequacy of levels of diversity and inclusion among service personnel.

Answer

Answered by Calvin Bailey, 14 Jul 2026

The Ministry of Defence believes that a more diverse force improves operational effectiveness and better reflects the society it serves. Women now make up a growing but still minority proportion of UK Regular Forces and people with ethnic minority backgro...