Require all military sexual assault claims be handled by civilian authorities

From Jan 2018-Apr 2024, only 23% of the 93 rape cases heard in military court martials resulted in convictions. This conviction rate is lower than the average 70% conviction rate for rape cases in civilian court.

Government plays a key role to ensure we live in a fair society. Women make up just 11% of the British armed forces and hold only 5% of senior roles. We think this significant underrepresentation contributes to a culture where inappropriate behaviour is often normalised. Unpunished inappropriate behaviour can deter women from wanting to serve in the British forces making it more difficult to attract high calibre candidates.