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06
Aug
Harrogate and Knaresborough MP calls for army college inquiry after ‘shocking’ sexual abuse allegations
Tom Gordon has called for an independent inquiry into allegations of rape and sexual assault at Harrogate’s Army Foundation College.
Mr Gordon, the Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, has written to defence secretary Wes Streeting to “seek assurances” on how the allegations are being investigated.
He also said an independent inquiry was needed into the culture and safeguarding practices of the training facility.
The college, which is the only basic junior training site in the British Army for recruits under the age of 18, has faced repeated reports of violence and abuse.
The Stray Ferret has published a series of articles over the last five years highlighting concerns.
Today's (August 6) latest allegations come after a BBC investigation spoke to four women who said they had been sexually assaulted or raped during their time at the college in the last five years.
Mr Gordon said:
Reports of rape and abuse are all too commonplace but that doesn’t make them any less shocking or serious. These young women are incredibly brave, putting their careers on the line before they barely had a chance to start.
He went on to support the calls for the allegations to be handled in civilian courts in order to maximise credibility and transparency. Alleged offences such as these are usually dealt with in military courts.
Mr Gordon added:
We have to end the culture of misogyny and violence against women and girls. No one should face harassment, assault or rape in the workplace and the military is no exception. A strong armed force is one where all its recruits, particularly women, feel safe.
The college has been part of Harrogate for decades, and many local people have family, friends or colleagues connected to it. Parents across the country send 16- and 17-year-olds to Harrogate trusting that they will be properly looked after. Where that duty of care has not been met, it needs to be established openly and put right.
Lib Dem defence spokesperson Jame MacCleary said:
These horrific allegations expose a deeply disturbing culture that has no place in our armed forces, let alone an institution responsible for teenage recruits. My heart goes out to the brave women who have spoken out about these appalling experiences.
He supported the call for an independent inquiry handled by civilian courts “to end this culture of silence and deliver true accountability”.
The Stray Ferret approached the Army Foundation College for comment on the latest allegations.
An army spokesperson said:
Unacceptable and criminal behaviour has absolutely no place in our armed forces and these reports are extremely distressing and serious. We encourage anyone who has experienced or witnessed unacceptable or criminal behaviour at the Army Foundation College to come forward.
We know this can be difficult and that’s why a number of changes have been made in recent years to support victims, including the right to report crimes directly to civilian emergency services.
The college welcomes external scrutiny and challenge and in the last year has hosted the safeguarding bodies, Parliamentarians, the Children’s Commissioner's office and the Armed Forces Commissioner, as well as receiving an outstanding report from Ofsted.
They also highlighted the introduction of 'significant meaures' to tackle unacceptable behaviours, including a zero-tolerance approach to sexual offences, unacceptable sexual behaviour, and inappropriate relationships between instructors and trainees, with clear consequences for those found to have breached these standards.
They pointed to an example in 2023 where an instructor at Harrogate was successfully convicted of rape.
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