Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon has called for independent civilian specialists in sexual violence and trauma to support an investigation into allegations of rape and abuse at army colleges. Mr Gordon, a Liberal Democrat, has signed a joint letter to the Defence Secretary outlining concerns following the launch of an investigation into allegations at multiple army colleges.
The letter, signed by six MPs whose constituencies include some of the facilities being investigated, says the allegations should not be regarded as isolated incidents, with 10 military sites being examined by the recently appointed Armed Forces Commissioner, Polly Miller-Perkins.
It states that previous parliamentary inquiries, Ministry of Defence research and repeated media investigations have identified concerns about a culture of sexual violence, harassment and misogyny within military training, where victims may lack the confidence to come forward.
Mr Gordon also raises concerns that victims could again feel unable to speak following the decision to hand the investigation to the Armed Forces Commissioner.
Given Ms Miller-Perkins’ long record of service, some victims have voiced concerns about such a senior military figure overseeing the investigation. The letter therefore urges the Defence Secretary to appoint independent civilian specialists in sexual violence and trauma to support the Commissioner’s work.
The letter also asks the Defence Secretary to outline what funding will be available to support the investigation, whether its findings will be published in full and laid before Parliament, and for allegations of rape and serious sexual assault arising from the investigation to be referred to civilian police and prosecuting authorities rather than the service justice system.
The investigation comes after the BBC revealed in August that four young women had been assaulted and harassed at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate.
The letter also raises concerns about wider welfare issues within military training establishments. At the Army Training Centre Pirbright, near Guildford, soldiers filed 16 pest-related complaints in 2026 alone.
Tom Gordon MP said:
The young people who join our Armed Forces deserve to know they will be safe and treated with dignity and respect. But it is clear that in many army colleges there is a culture which leaves female cadets, in particular, feeling afraid and vulnerable.
It is unacceptable, and those who propagate such a culture have no place in our military. These allegations are incredibly serious and warrant a thorough, considered, well-funded investigation to restore trust.
Caroline Voaden MP said:
Reliving any experience of sexual violence is traumatic and difficult. It’s vitally important that someone who is trained in the resulting trauma of sexual violence be present when young women are asked to contribute to this investigation.