HL Deb 13 March 1996 vol 570 cc67-8WA
Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they accept the image of the United Kingdom Armed Forces abroad, described by the Ministry of Defence report of the Homosexuality Policy Assessment Team (paragraph 45) as "harsher and more aggressive in their attitudes, more concerned with formal discipline, more traditional and less tolerant of individual or minority rights than their foreign counterparts".

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Earl Howe)

The British Armed Forces are a wholly professional body, committed to the maintenance of operational effectiveness. In order to achieve this, a high degree of unit—and self-discipline is essential. Unlike many of our NATO allies, who still rely on conscription, they are an all-volunteer force and, as such, freely accept the sacrifices and limitations on personal liberty imposed by military service. We cannot comment on the perceptions held by other countries, whose traditions and operational commitments may differ markedly from those of the United Kingdom. What the Assessment Team's report does make clear is that our Armed Forces have long held a reputation, both in this country and internationally, for high standards, high morale and strong discipline. These standards have withstood the test of time in combat with the successful deployment of British troops on operations every year since 1945; indeed, we currently have more Service personnel deployed overseas than any other European nation.

Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the Ministry of Defence will introduce measures to counter homophobia within the Armed Forces, as described in the report of the Homosexuality Policy Assessment Team; and, if not, why not.

Earl Howe

We do not believe that the Armed Forces are homophobic, nor is such a view supported by the Homosexuality Policy Assessment Team's report. What the report does show is that Service personnel make a clear differentiation between their personal views on homosexuality, which are often tolerant and sympathetic, and what they perceive as the effect of homosexuality on the operational environment.