Tom Gordon MP writes to Government after official investigation triggered by allegations at Harrogate army college

Harrogate’s MP has signed a joint letter to the Defence Secretary outlining concerns over “incredibly serious” abuse allegations at army colleges and the terms of a new inquiry.

The latest step by Tom Gordon MP follows news that Armed Forces Commissioner Polly Miller-Perkins will visit ten military training establishments to identify any systemic issues and make recommendations to the Government.

The investigation comes after the BBC revealed in August that four young women claimed to have been abused at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate.

The letter, signed by Mr Gordon and five other MPs whose constituencies include some of the facilities being investigated, argues these claims should not be regarded as isolated incidents.

The letter also urges the Defence Secretary to appoint independent, civilian specialists in sexual violence and trauma to support the Commissioner’s work.

Given Ms Perkins long record of service, some victims have voiced concerns about such a senior figure within the military overseeing the investigation.

Mr Gordon fears there is a risk victims may again feel unable to speak following the decision to hand the investigation to the Armed Forces Commissioner.

The letter goes on to state that previous parliamentary inquiries, as well as the MoD’s own research and media investigations, had found "a culture of sexual violence, harassment, and misogyny within military training where victims lack the confidence to come forward".

“The young people who join our Armed Forces deserve to know they will be safe and treated with dignity and respect,” said the Harrogate and Knaresborough MP.

"It is clear that in many army colleges there is a culture which leaves female cadets, in particular, feeling vulnerable.

"These allegations are incredibly serious and warrant a thorough and well-funded investigation to restore trust.”

The letter to the Government, co-signed by Tom Gordon, also requests the Defence Secretary outline what funding will be available to assist the investigation, whether the findings will be published in full and laid before Parliament, and for allegations of rape and serious sexual assault arising from this work to be referred to civilian police, rather than the army service justice system.