Defence Committee Faces Backlash Over Women's Rights Focus Amid Security Concerns
While Lord Robertson, described as a proper Labour patriot, has accused Sir Keir Starmer of what he termed 'corrosive complacency' on defence matters, the defence select committee dedicated its morning session to an extensive discussion on women's rights within the armed forces. The heads of the Navy, Army, and Royal Air Force were required to spend approximately two hours examining issues such as period products and promoting positive behavioural role models.
Committee Chairman Navigates Robertson Criticism
Committee chairman Tan Dhesi, the Labour MP for Slough, acknowledged the Robertson criticism with a single brisk question at the outset. Conservative MP Jesse Norman later attempted to revisit the subject, but Mr Dhesi asserted that women's rights should not be sidelined by broader security concerns. Defence minister Louise Jones, seated alongside the senior military leaders, appeared reluctant to engage deeply with Robertson's comments.
When prompted by Mr Dhesi, Ms Jones displayed visible discomfort, licking her lips and leaning her head stiffly toward her right shoulder. She stated twice, "Of course I've got a great deal of respect for Lord Robertson," before emphasising that the ministry was "progressing at pace" and "working very hard." She added, "It's great that people are urging us to go further and faster," then closed her eyes, signalling the discussion should conclude.
Military Leaders' Varied Responses
First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Gwyn Jenkins insisted the committee was "all gripped by the significance of this," referring to the women's rights agenda rather than immediate war preparations. Sir Gwyn, positioned beside the minister, was joined by Air Chief Marshal Harv Smyth and General Sir Roly Walker, Chief of the General Staff, who sported a cut on his nose possibly from outdoor activities.
General Sir Roly, a former SAS officer, created minor controversy by suggesting women's rights were "not the most important thing" in current military life. He also encountered communication difficulties with Labour MP Michelle Scrogham, partly due to hearing impairment from a past explosion. Sir Roly further argued that societal issues with inappropriate behaviour contribute to challenges in military recruitment, eventually reassuring MPs of his commitment to equity.
Religious Practices and Broader Discussions
Labour MP Fred Thomas noted that the Royal Marines' Commando base at Lympstone, Devon, has become a centre for religious observance, with Marines being baptised in a chapel water tank. Sir Gwyn claimed unawareness of this development, while a Whitehall official highlighted the Ministry of Defence's inclusion of non-religious chaplains alongside Muslim and Jewish representatives, describing it as "a broad church."
The session concluded with the baptism tank remark humorously noting that, given the fleet's size, it might be the closest some Marines get to water. The committee's focus on internal equity matters, while global tensions persist, underscores ongoing debates about prioritisation within defence policy circles.
