Red Arrows sacked after inquiry into ‘toxic culture’

Allegations of misogyny, sexual harassment and bullying in squadron lead to members’ dismissal

‘The Red Arrows were deemed untouchable and that has created a toxic culture, destroying unit cohesion’

‘It is important for unacceptable behaviour to be called out and reported whenever it is encountered’

MEMBERS of the Red Arrows have been sacked after an investigation into its toxic culture, the Ministry of Defence said.

In a statement issued on the RAF’S website it said that following allegations from individuals within the RAF aerobatics team, some had lost their jobs.

An internal inquiry conducted by the RAF Police Special Investigations Branch revealed a broad range of unacceptable behaviours.

It looked at specific allegations and as a result “several RAF personnel have been investigated under the RAF’S Major Administrative Action Procedures”.

“These investigations have resulted in a range of outcomes up to and including dismissals from the RAF,” it said.

It comes after Flt Lt Damon “Damo” Green left the unit for personal reasons.

Air Marshal Sir Richard Knighton told the Commons defence select committee earlier this week that one pilot had been dismissed and the future of another was to be decided imminently.

He said: “On the Red Arrows case, a non-statutory inquiry has concluded, in terms of interviews, and is being finalised. One case has come to the Air Force Board and that individual will be discharged from the service on the basis of the evidence.

“A second individual is due to come to the Air Force Board soon, where we will consider the case against that individual and decide on his future.”

The inquiry was launched after allegations of bullying, misogyny, assault, sexual harassment and drunkenness were reported.

More than 40 personnel, including young female recruits, gave witness statements to the investigation which was launched in December by Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston.

A source claimed that female recruits were considered “fresh meat” and members of the 130-strong squadron would “pester” them with Whatsapp messages.

Another person who is assisting with the inquiry said: “The Red Arrows and those around them were deemed untouchable and that has created a toxic culture, destroying unit cohesion ... and ultimately highlighting poor leadership.”

The RAF said that the inquiry recommended a variety of measures to improve behaviours and culture within the unit and “all are being pursued as a priority”.

The whole Red Arrows team has now received extensive training on unacceptable conduct and the so-called “walk on by” culture. The training has also recently been implemented across the entire RAF.

The RAF statement added: “The RAF commends the actions of all those who came forward to provide the inquiry and subsequent investigations with their evidence.

“It is important for unacceptable behaviour to be called out and reported wherever and whenever it is encountered.

“We take all allegations of unacceptable behaviour extremely seriously and will continue to take decisive action against anyone who fails to uphold our high standards, in accordance with the Ministry of Defence’s zero tolerance policy.”