Check if army school visits appropriate, warn MSPS

● Call follows concern over military bid to recruit pupils

MSPS have called on the Scottish Government to ensure messages given to children by military officers on school visits are “appropriate” following concerns about pupils being encouraged to leave school and join the military.

The Scottish Parliament’s public petitions committee said the government should carry out a nationwide study of the impact of school visits by the armed forces.

MSPS have also demanded more data on the number of visits in Scotland each year, calling on the Ministry of Defence to make clear exactly which schools it attends, and how often.

The Scottish Government today said troops speaking to pupils in school must “not seek to exert undue or inappropriate influence”.

The committee’s report is in response to a petition by campaigners from Quakers in Scotland and Forceswatch, who warned that military visits are “often more tailored and directed to those at risk of disengaging with education or work or those who struggle academically”.

Figures obtained using freedom of information powers revealed the military made 1,783 visits to 377 Scottish education institutions over a twoyear period, offering careers advice on at least a third of occasions.

Campaigners said that was “disproportionate” and urged the government to ensure par-

0 There are concerns about pupils being tempted to quit school early ents are consulted ahead of any visits.

Labour MSP Johann Lamont, the committee convener, said there were “strong feelings on all sides” and said the Scottish Government should undertake a Child Rights and Wellbeingimpactassessment “to make sure that the information being given to our young people is appropriate”.

An MOD spokesman said school visits “are not done for recruitment purposes”, adding: “Our armed forces are the pride of the United Kingdom and keep us safe every hour of every day – it is absolutely right they engage with young people to share their experiences about the military’s contribution to our society.”

A spokeswoman said the Scottish Government would consider the committee’s recommendations carefully.

“While it is up to schools and local authorities to determine their involvement with the armed forces as employers, we would expect them to act responsibly and ensure that any participation with any organisation adds value, is appropriate to a child’s age and maturity and does not seek to exert undue or inappropriate influence,” she added. Britain’s next-generation attack jet lacks the range to carry out long-distance stealth strikes from the Royal Navy’s new aircraft carriers.

The F-35B Lightning II – the most expensive aircraft of its kind – has been described as the most advanced warplane in history and boasts stealth capability.

But retired senior Royal Navy and Royal Air Force officers have greeted with concern a report by the US House Armed Services Committee warning the stealth jet does not have the range – without aerial refuelling – to conduct stealthy long-range strikes.

Aircraft used by Britain for aerial refuelling are not stealth planes, so could reveal the position and approach of F-35s if used. The alternative would be to move the Royal Navy’s new Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers closer to the target.