Calls for Army college inquiry after reports of rape and abuse

Two Liberal Democrat Members of Parliament have recently appealed to Defence Secretary Wes Streeting to launch an independent investigation into the “culture, leadership and safeguarding practices” at the Army Foundation College (AFC) in Harrogate. Atherton, a former member of the Army’s Intelligence Corps who led a 2021 government review into women’s experiences in the armed forces, highlighted that over 4,200 women provided evidence revealing distressing incidents such as rape, sexual exploitation of under-18s, and drug-facilitated assaults. The review described the military’s complaints process as “woefully inadequate,” resulting in many women being “denied justice.”

Atherton conveyed to the BBC that concerns regarding AFC Harrogate had been raised years prior, yet problems seem to have persisted without sufficient remedial measures. She suggested that an independent inquiry would serve as the most effective means to uncover the truth, rebuild public trust, and ensure the Army can continue to attract and retain talented young recruits. She emphasized the importance of providing parents, staff, and recruits with clear answers and accountability: “Parents, staff and recruits deserve clear answers, accountability where necessary, and confidence that every possible lesson has been learned.”

Lib Dem Defence Committee member Lewell stressed the urgency of such an inquiry, stating it should be led by an expert in safeguarding and include opportunities to speak directly with the children at AFC. Lewell pointed out that complaints concerning sexual assault, bullying, and physical abuse at the college have been ongoing for an extended period. The letter sent to the Defence Secretary, signed by Tom Gordon and James MacCleary, stressed the necessity of a transparent investigation that not only addresses specific allegations but also examines systemic barriers victims might face, assesses the adequacy of reporting mechanisms, and verifies the consistent application of safeguarding policies.

The Child Rights International Network has also been involved in documenting the serious allegations, describing an independent inquiry as “urgent and essential.” Meanwhile, the Army has condemned such behaviour as “unacceptable and criminal,” encouraging victims and witnesses to come forward. It noted that recent reforms include specialist support from the Defence Serious Crime Command, which operates outside the Army’s chain of command. AFC is the UK’s largest military training institution for under-19s, taking in all 16-year-old Army recruits. According to North Yorkshire Police data obtained via a Freedom of Information request, sixteen reports of sexual offences linked to the college were made in the year ending June, covering offences such as exposure and sexual assault. Overall, Ministry of Defence figures reveal 176 complaints of inappropriate sexual conduct between January 2018 and June 2025.

Several women who attended AFC over the past five years have shared harrowing accounts. One individual, identified only as Tilly for privacy, recounted being raped at 17 by multiple fellow soldiers. “They started taking my clothes off and then this led to them doing stuff I didn’t consent to… I felt like a piece of meat,” she said. Another woman’s mother described how her daughter Amy endured nearly daily sexual harassment and assault, exacerbated by faulty security on her room door, which forced her to sleep blocking access to prevent male soldiers from entering. Additionally, some women described how misogynistic attitudes among AFC staff influenced male recruits’ behaviour, with one instructor reportedly stating, “It’s all about the pussy and how much of it you can get.”

The Ministry of Defence affirmed its openness to outside scrutiny, noting that AFC had recently hosted safeguarding bodies, parliamentarians, the Children’s Commissioner’s office, and the Armed Forces Commissioner, as well as receiving a positive Ofsted report. Veteran Ashleigh Percival-Borley, a former sergeant and instructor with 13 years of service, expressed deep disappointment. She shared with BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that such incidents have severely undermined her faith in the institution and echoed the frustration felt by women wishing to serve. The Children’s Commissioner for England, Dame Rachel de Souza, pledged to ensure the investigation of the “appalling attacks” and accountability for those who failed to protect the girls. She also assured that all children living away from home have the right to contact her office for support and affirmed that AFC girls would be given this access.

Statistics released last year reveal a troubling picture, with 67% of women in the armed forces having experienced at least one sexualised behaviour in the past year, compared to 34% of men. In a related case, an ex-army sergeant major, Warrant Officer Michael Webber, was sentenced to six months in prison for sexually assaulting a 19-year-old soldier, Gunner Jaysley Beck, in 2021. Tragically, Jaysley took her own life five months later. The subsequent inquest found that both the assault and the Army’s inadequate response “more than minimally” contributed to her death. Jaysley’s mother, Leighann McCready, told BBC Breakfast that her daughter was dismissed and labeled “a female trouble maker” after reporting the assault. She urged that if the Army’s policies were properly followed by all ranks, such tragedies could be prevented.

The Army remains committed to fostering a professional, supportive, and secure environment for all recruits, reaffirming that any conduct contradicting its core values of respect and inclusivity is unacceptable

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