Women in UK armed forces face 'hostile environment' if they report bullying

Army veteran Diane Allen tells MPs that women are coerced to withdraw harassment complaints

Women who serve in the armed forces find that they face a hostile environment" when they are victims of bullying or harassment and try to complain, according to candid testimony given to a parliamentary committee on Thursday.

Diane Allen, who served for 30 years in the British army, told MPs that women were often pressed to withdraw their complaints, reflecting what she said were mixed messages" from the defence leadership.