Red Arrows in 'special measures' after sexual harassment report

The inquiry revealed a "broad range of unacceptable behaviours" among the 130-strong squadron, based at RAF Waddington

The Red Arrows display team is in "special measures" after a report found predatory behaviour towards women was "widespread and normalised".

A recent investigation described a "toxic culture" where women suffered sexual harassment and bullying.

Defence minister Andrew Murrison said there had been changes in leadership and the team, based at RAF Waddington, was being closely monitored.

The Chief of the Air Staff previously said he was appalled by the findings.

Speaking at a Commons Defence Select Committee, Mr Murrison said no part of defence could expect special treatment over "unacceptable behaviours".

The findings of the investigation, published earlier this month, found behaviour included unwanted physical contact, sexual texts, invitations to engage in sexual activity, and women being seen as "property".

A "bystander culture" meant such behaviour went unchallenged, it found.

The investigation was launched in 2021 after three women went to the then-head of the RAF about complaints they had made which had not been addressed by their chain of command. The inquiry covered a period dating back to 2017.

Jonathan Beale, defence correspondent

The defence minister was not specific about the term "special measures". But he spoke of a change of leadership and how the squadron was now being monitored very closely.

The term "special measures" is often applied to a failing hospital or school, which has been taken over by outside management.

Mr Murrison's comments were very different from those of the Chief of the Air Staff, Sir Richard Knighton. He said he was appalled when he read the investigation into the Red Arrows, but insisted that there were no plans to disband the air display team.

Responding to the report, the RAF admitted part of the problem may have been a view that members of the display team were "special".

The aerobatic display team performs routines on distinctive Hawk fast-jets and, by the beginning of 2023, had performed almost 5,000 displays in 57 countries.

The RAF said the "high profile of the team, their regular exposure to VIPs, celebrities and an admiring public… promotes the view among some personnel that they are special and that normal rules and behaviours do not apply to them".

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Air Chief Marshal Knighton offered his "unreserved apologies" to anyone who experienced unacceptable behaviour.

He admitted the reputation of the Red Arrows had been damaged as a result by a "minority", but said few of its leadership, air and ground crews from that time were still serving on the squadron.

He said there were no plans to disband the elite flying display team and that a change of culture, leadership and safeguards had been implemented to address the widespread and normalised "unacceptable behaviours" uncovered.