UK military's gender equality is '˜a thing to be proud of', says MP

Penny Mordaunt, Portsmouth North MP, has praised the city’s women to have been recognised during this year’s inaugural Women in Defence Awards.

The former armed forces minister said women were playing an increasingly important role in the UK’s defence industry and that it was right to celebrate all their sacrifices and efforts.

Speaking to The News, Ms Mordaunt – who is a reservist in the Royal Navy – said: ‘These awards demonstrate the contribution women make to almost every area of our armed forces.

‘Their participation in defence shows our nation’s commitment to equality, that our services are making best use of best talent and that women can thrive in these careers.

‘My congratulations to all the award winners and let’s look forward to even more opportunities for women to shape and protect our country.’

Around 11.7 per cent of the navy is made up of women, with some 2,040 ratings and 600 officers. The figures are similar in the British Army and RAF, with about 10 per cent of the forces made up of women.

Speaking of her military training, Ms Mordaunt added: ‘I know from my own Royal Navy training what value working in the armed forces gives you, and I would encourage other women to consider this as either a full-time or reservist career.’