MP calls for independent inquiry into 'shocking' sexual offence allegations at Army Foundation College

Tom Gordon, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, said he was writing to the Defence Secretary to seek assurances on how these allegations were being investigated and to call for an independent inquiry into culture and safeguarding practices at the army training college.

The Harrogate MP’s comments follow a BBC investigation, which revealed that North Yorkshire Police had received 16 reports of sexual offences linked to the college in the year to June, including allegations of exposure, voyeurism and sexual assault.

The Ministry of Defence’s own data shows that a total of 176 complaints of inappropriate sexual behaviour at Army Foundation College (AFC) at Harrogate were made between January 2018 and June 2025.

“We have to end the culture of misogyny and violence against women and girls,” said Mr Gordon.

"No one should face rape, assault or harassment in the workplace and the military is no exception.

"Confidence, credibility, and trust has plainly been damaged, and it will only be rebuilt through transparency and the people in charge tackling this head on."

In response to the new allegations, an Army spokesperson said: “Unacceptable and criminal behaviour has absolutely no place in our Armed Forces and these reports are extremely distressing and serious.

“We encourage anyone who has experienced or witnessed unacceptable or criminal behaviour at the Army Foundation College to come forward.

“We know this can be difficult and that’s why a number of changes have been made in recent years to support victims, including the right to report crimes directly to civilian emergency services.

“The Army Foundation College welcomes external scrutiny and challenge and in the last year has hosted the safeguarding bodies, Parliamentarians, the Children’s Commissioner's office and the Armed Forces Commissioner, as well as receiving an outstanding report from Ofsted.”

North Yorkshire Police described the reports as “deeply disturbing”.

A spokesperson for the force said: “North Yorkshire Police continues to sensitively support the young victims and their families while doing all we can to bring perpetrators to justice.

“While we cannot go into detail on specific investigations due to the legal requirement to protect the life-long anonymity of victims of sexual offences, it is important to stress that North Yorkshire Police will never tolerate sexual abuse.

“We encourage victims to come forward to the police and seek the specialist support that is readily available, no matter how long ago the offences took place.”

But Harrogate and Knaresborough Lib Dem MP Tom Gordon said firm action was now required.

"The allegations about the Army Foundation College are deeply shocking," said the MP.

“My colleagues in parliament have rightly made the case for allegations of sexual offences and domestic violence to be handled in civilian courts.

“But I am writing to the Defence Secretary to seek assurances on how these allegations are being investigated and call for an independent inquiry into culture and safeguarding practices.

"A strong armed force is one where all its recruits, particularly women, feel safe."

The Army Foundation College in Harrogate was first opened in 1998 and is the sole initial military training unit for British Army recruits who enlist aged between 16 and 17.5 years.

The MoD said all allegations were taken extremely seriously and investigated by either the civilian or service Police

It also pointed to the case where an instructor at Harrogate was successfully convicted of rape in 2023, showing how perpetrators will be pursued and brought to justice.

During a Commons defence select committee hearing earlier this year, Labour MP Emma Lewell said that between 2021 and 2024 there had been 122 investigations into sexual offences against under 18-year-olds at AFC – 80 of which involved sexual assault.

Ms Lewell also said North Yorkshire Council had received 89 safeguarding notifications in the last five years concerning staff at the college.