embers of the Crimson Arrows are being investigated over allegations of “unacceptable behaviour” comparable to misogyny, bullying and sexual harassment.
The Instances stated greater than 40 personnel, together with younger feminine recruits, have offered 250 hours of proof to an inquiry which started earlier this 12 months, describing the aerobatic show crew as “poisonous”.
A supply within the Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed quite a lot of personnel with the Crimson Arrows are the topic of an investigation into inappropriate behaviour however none has met the edge for legal costs.
Those that have the privilege of serving in an organisation just like the Crimson Arrows have… a good better duty as a result of they’re a lot within the public eye
Armed forces minister James Heappey advised Instances Radio that some have been faraway from the show crew for this season.
The Instances stated alleged victims have been advised that if they spoke up they might be despatched residence or kicked out of the RAF.
The newspaper reported that senior leaders “swept complaints underneath the carpet” for years to guard the reputations of individuals thought of “untouchable”.
Members of the Crimson Arrows, based mostly at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire, have additionally been accused of drunkenness, however an RAF spokeswoman stated the allegations have been “unfounded”.
Mr Heappey advised Instances Radio he was assured that Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston and his crew have been investigating the allegations.
He stated: “The very highest of requirements are demanded of our armed forces throughout the board, and 99.99% of them ship in spades.
“Those that have the privilege of serving in an organisation just like the Crimson Arrows have, I feel, a good better duty as a result of they’re a lot within the public eye – and the allegations which have been made are very regarding certainly.
“The Royal Air Drive have taken, I feel, the appropriate motion in that they have these in opposition to whom these allegations have been made underneath investigation.
“I’m assured that the Chief of the Air Workers and his crew are investigating these allegations – they’ve taken motion to take away them from the show crew for this season.
“We’ll wait till these investigations are full earlier than the people accountable are held to account.”
An MoD supply stated the inquiry’s remaining report is with RAF leaders for his or her consideration.
The RAF has a zero-tolerance strategy to unacceptable behaviour and takes motion wherever wrongdoing is confirmed
It’s understood that not one of the pilots at the moment on the crew are accused of wrongdoing.
An RAF spokeswoman stated: “The RAF has a zero-tolerance strategy to unacceptable behaviour and takes motion wherever wrongdoing is confirmed.
“Following allegations of unacceptable behaviour inside the Crimson Arrows, the RAF commissioned a radical and far-reaching investigation.
“We won’t be commenting additional on the person circumstances of particular personnel strikes, which have been made with out prejudice and are the results of each private {and professional} causes.
“The allegations of Crimson Arrows pilots flying whereas intoxicated are unfounded.
“All RAF pilots, within the Crimson Arrows or in any other case, are topic to strict rules on alcohol consumption earlier than conducting any flying.
“Security stays paramount and any pilot discovered to have breached these rules would merely not be permitted to fly, and would face disciplinary motion.”
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