HELENSBURGH’S MP has called on the UK Government to do more to protect women from the area who are serving in the armed forces.

Brendan O’Hara made the plea after a damning report was published by the Defence Select Committee of the House of Commons on women’s experience of serving in the forces.

The committee’s report identified concerns that two-thirds of female personnel have suffered from bullying, harassment, and discrimination during their military careers.

The inquiry by the defence sub-committee on women in the armed forces heard evidence from an unprecedented 4,200 current and former servicewomen - representing almost a tenth of the female military population.

Many reported incidents of serious sexual assault and rape at military bases, with the MoD’s complaint process being described as “woefully inadequate”.

More than three-quarters of serving female personnel also said they had to use inappropriate, ill-fitting uniform and body armour which placed them at more risk of harm in combat.

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A total of 3,624 uniformed Royal Navy personnel were based at HM Naval Base Clyde, within Mr O’Hara’s constituency, as of January 1 this year, though the committee’s report did not identify specific military bases.

Mr O’Hara said: “All military personnel do so much to protect others and it is only right that they are afforded the same protection from the MoD, as their employer.

“It is absolutely shocking to hear just how extensive these allegations of sexual assault, bullying and harassment are in the armed services.

“I would call on the Defence Secretary to do everything he can to ensure protection is afforded to all personnel.

“The MoD must have a fit for purpose complaints process to make sure all reports are properly investigated and appropriate actions taken.

“I know it will not be easy for anyone to come forward to report such incidents but they should be supported to do so in the knowledge they will be heard.

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“If any of my constituents working at the base or for the MoD elsewhere, have been affected I would ask them to get in touch.”

Minister of State for Defence Baroness Goldie said: “I know that the work of the committee has been enhanced by the testimony of current and former servicewomen whose experiences have greatly assisted the enquiry.

“I extend my thanks to them and acknowledge that in the past on too many occasions, Defence has failed to provide women with adequate support.

“Many changes have been introduced to improve the experience for women in the armed forces, and military service remains a fantastic career opportunity for men and women alike.

“But the reality is that this experience is not yet equal, and very occasionally can be really harmful. I profoundly regret that and we shall examine this report closely and use it to build on the improvements we have made.”