AN MP has written to the Defence Secretary to call for a full and independent inquiry following reports of rape and sexual abuse of female recruits at a military training college.
Tom Gordon said he wanted to seek assurances on how allegations of incidents against teenage girls and women at Harrogate Army Foundation College were being investigated.
It comes after four young women old the BBC they suffered sexual abuse and harassment at the college, which provides basic training to under-19s.
In a statement, the MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough said: “These young women are incredibly brave, putting their careers on the line before they barely had a chance to start.
“Confidence, credibility, and trust has plainly been damaged, and it will only be rebuilt through transparency and the people in charge tackling this head on.
“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 been met, it needs to be established openly and put right.”
Tom Gordon MP has called for a full and independent inquiry into allegations of rape and sexual abuse at Harrogate Army Foundation College
(Image: Supplied)
The Army has called for witnesses and victims of criminal behaviour at the college to come forward.
A spokesperson said on August 6: “Unacceptable and criminal behaviour has absolutely no place in our Armed Forces and these reports are extremely distressing and serious.
“People join the Army in the hope of having a fantastic career and any such reports are unacceptable and go completely against everything the Army stands for.
“We encourage anyone who has experienced or witnessed unacceptable or criminal behaviour at the Army Foundation College to come forward.”
Liberal Democrat Defence spokesperson, James MacCleary, demanded that the Defence Secretary Wes Streeting conduct a full and independent inquiry into the culture and safeguarding practices at the college.
He 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.
“Every single woman serving our country deserves a workplace free from fear, discrimination, and abuse.
“The Defence Secretary must heed Liberal Democrat calls to ensure all serious cases are handled by independent civilian courts – to end this culture of silence and deliver true accountability.”