Royal Navy chief apologises for ‘misogyny and bullying’ in submarine service
‘We must be better than this and do better than we have’, the First Sea Lord said.
The head of the Royal Navy has apologised after an investigation found “misogyny, bullying and other unacceptable behaviours” in the submarine service.
In 2022, Admiral Sir Ben Key, the First Sea Lord and head of the Royal Navy, ordered an investigation into allegations made by former lieutenant Sophie Brook, who described a “constant campaign of sexual bullying”.
Ms Brook, who has since left the submarine service, said “multiple people” had contacted her with similar concerns after she first went public with her accusations.
The First Sea Lord said Ms Brook had made several requests for redress during the investigation process, which she gave evidence to.
Sir Ben said: “Those that are within my gift to offer – I have. When I met with Ms Brook this morning, I apologised to her personally and unreservedly, praising her courage in coming forward.
He added: “We must be better than this and do better than we have.”
A heavily redacted final report of the investigation into allegations across the submarine service listed multiple incidents of abuse and harassment by male submariners, some of whom were senior officers, against their female colleagues.
Among the most serious were “at least” one report of rape, while others included lewd comments and sexual gestures.
In a statement provided to Sky News, Ms Brook said she “remains concerned about the Navy’s commitment to delivering meaningful change”.
She added: “It is my hope that this report is not just a token gesture but a starting point for real substantive change.
“I came forward not just to see justice for myself but to shine a light on a culture that for too long has been permitted to thrive within some of the most elite branches of the Armed Forces.”
