Calls for inquiry into Army training college for teenagers after reports of rape and abuse
Calls for an independent inquiry into the Army Foundation College in Harrogate are increasing following allegations of rape and sexual abuse against female recruits. Former MP Sarah Atherton and other officials argue that an inquiry is necessary to restore public confidence and address systemic issues.
Why it matters
The allegations highlight serious concerns regarding the safety and treatment of minors within military training environments, prompting a debate on institutional accountability.
Image source, Getty Images By Charlotte Hadfield and Sima Kotecha , Senior UK correspondent Published 23 minutes ago Warning: This article contains sexual language and details of sexual assault
Calls are growing for an independent inquiry into an Army training college for teenagers following allegations of rape and sexual abuse against female recruits.
Four young women told the BBC they were sexually assaulted and harassed while attending the Army Foundation College (AFC) at Harrogate in North Yorkshire.
They described a culture of misogyny and sexual violence at the college, which they all attended when they were 17.
Sarah Atherton, former MP for Wrexham, told the BBC that public confidence in the college could "only be restored through an independent inquiry".
Emma Lewell MP said: "If this was any other school or residential environment for children, it would have been closed down."
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