Delayed Justice: The Untold Story of Sexual Harassment in the UK's Submarine Service

TLDRAn inquiry into sexual harassment and abuse on board the UK's nuclear armed submarines has been delayed for 18 months, leaving victims and witnesses waiting. The Navy has been accused of negligence and betrayal in their handling of the allegations. The lifting of the ban on women serving in the Elite submarine service in 2011 prompted more women, including Sophie Brooke, to join. Sophie raised concerns about how female submariners were being treated, but claims the Navy turned on her and accused her of fraud.

Key insights

⚖️The inquiry into sexual harassment and abuse allegations on UK submarines has taken 18 months without any outcomes.

🚫Sophie Brooke and other women who have spoken up feel betrayed and angry due to the lack of an honest report.

🔒Sexual assault, sexual harassment, and misogyny are widespread within the submarine service, according to Sophie Brooke.

🌐The ban on women serving in the Elite submarine service was lifted in 2011, leading to more women joining.

💔Sophie Brooke claims the Navy accused her of fraud after she raised concerns about the treatment of female submariners.

Q&A

What are the core allegations and complaints raised in the inquiry?

—The core allegations include sexual assault, sexual harassment, and misogyny within the submarine service.

Why are the victims and witnesses feeling betrayed and angry?

—They feel betrayed and angry because there has been a delay in the release of an honest report.

When was the ban on women serving in the Elite submarine service lifted?

—The ban was lifted in 2011, prompting more women, including Sophie Brooke, to join.

What happened after Sophie Brooke raised concerns about the treatment of female submariners?

—Sophie claims the Navy accused her of fraud, leading to a court case where she chose to plead guilty.

What is the Royal Navy's response to the delays in the inquiry?

—The Royal Navy states that the investigation is ongoing and takes time due to the complex nature of the allegations.

Timestamped Summary

00:00An inquiry into sexual harassment and abuse on UK submarines has been delayed for 18 months, leaving victims and witnesses waiting.

00:21Sexual assault, sexual harassment, and misogyny are widespread within the submarine service, according to Sophie Brooke.

01:17The ban on women serving in the Elite submarine service was lifted in 2011, leading to more women joining.

01:39Sophie Brooke claims the Navy accused her of fraud after she raised concerns about the treatment of female submariners.

02:28The delays in the inquiry are considered unacceptable by MPs who have raised awareness about the treatment of women in the military.

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