Grant Shapps has claimed that woke extremism is rampant within the British military and called for “appropriate reforms” so it can focus on “lethal combat power”.
In an interview with telegraph paperthe defense secretary claimed that military resources were being “wasted to advance political objectives.”
His comments came during crisis talks with military leaders about plans to ease security checks to increase diversity. It has become clear that the government wants to ease testing requirements.
Mr Shapps said it was “unthinkable” to allow security standards to be relaxed amid threats from Russia and conflict in the Middle East.
Mr Shapps said he had spoken to military leaders today (February 11) to raise concerns about the plans.
Tomorrow, he said he would launch a review of ethnicity, diversity and inclusion policies within the department.
Mr Shapps ordered the review after a group of retired senior officers slammed what they described as a “woke” policy, saying it risked “destroying the spirit of the Corps” in the military. That’s what it means.
Mr Shapps said: “I am committed to improving working conditions and morale for all those who work in the military and the Ministry of Defence.
“This is not only the right thing to do, it is key to improving military recruitment and retention.
“But to advance a political agenda that pits individuals against each other, when what we need are common values that will provide the military we need to protect us and our allies.” Time and resources are wasted.
“This culture of extremism has permeated national life for years, and the time is right for appropriate reforms to refocus the military on its core mission: lethal combat power.”
Of the 131 non-British background police officers currently working, only 28 were identified as being from an ethnic minority background.
Mr Shapps previously rejected suggestions in the document that vetting requirements, including a provision that executive candidates must have lived in the UK for at least five years, could be “challenged”.
“We want people of all backgrounds to serve in our military, but some policies serve political agendas rather than substantively improving the lives of our dedicated soldiers and service members,” he said. It seems that they are doing so.” My surveillance security clearance requirements will never be lowered. ”