UK Army shifts sexual harassment investigations to independent task force

Investigations into sexual harassment claims in the army will no longer be managed by the military's chain of command. This decision comes after the tragic death of 19-year-old Gunner Jaysley Beck, whose case highlighted failures in how the army handles such allegations. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has announced that a new specialist task force will handle service complaints regarding bullying, harassment, and discrimination. This task force will work independently of the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force. The MoD believes this change will help ensure complaints are addressed quickly and fairly. Defence minister Lord Coaker expressed his concern over ongoing incidents of sexual abuse and harassment in the military. He emphasized the need for significant improvements after a coroner noted systemic failures contributed to Beck's suicide in 2021. Beck had reported being sexually assaulted and harassed, but the army failed to take adequate action. Recent reports revealed a troubling culture within the army where many female soldiers feel unsafe reporting misconduct. General Sir Roland Walker, the head of the army, acknowledged these issues while stating that most personnel do not experience bullying or harassment. He recognized that the army must improve the complaints process and address cultural barriers. The MoD is working quickly to implement new initiatives, including the formation of a Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Taskforce, led by Veterans Minister Alistair Cairns. Cairns stated that it is crucial to ensure the armed forces are safe and welcoming for women. Lawyer Emma Norton, representing Beck's family, believes the government is starting to respond to calls for change. However, she raised concerns about how independent the new task force will actually be and called for more transparent processes.