Royal Navy apologises for 'intolerable' misogyny exposed on submarines

The head of the Royal Navy has issued an unreserved apology for "intolerable" misogyny within the Submarine Service, after a slew of investigations exposed sexual harassment, bullying and assault of women within its ranks.

- Alexandra Topping

Admiral Sir Ben Key, the first sea lord and chief of the naval staff, said he was "truly sorry" to the women who had suffered "misogyny, bullying and other unacceptable behaviours" while serving their country. He added: "We must be better than this and do better than we have."

The long-awaited investigation into sexual harassment and abuse onboard the UK's nuclear-armed submarines comes almost two years after a whistleblower described sustained and aggressive sexual harassment during her time in the Submarine Service.

Three serving navy personnel have been sacked and a fourth disciplined as a result of the investigation into complaints brought by Sophie Brook, who became one of the first women to be allowed to serve in the Submarine Service in 2014 and made history when she became the first female warfare officer.

In October 2022 she spoke out about a "constant campaign of sexual bullying" during her time in the navy, which she said resulted in her self-harming to the extent that on one occasion she required stitches.

Brook's story, first published by the Daily Mail, prompted a number of other women-who make up just over 10% of the service - to come forward. The Guardian understands that the navy has carried out 28 investigations into sexual misconduct and unacceptable behaviour in the past two years, resulting in 18 serving personnel being sacked, four demoted and six disciplined.