A whistleblower says she feels relief after the Royal Navy apologised for misogyny, bullying and unacceptable behaviour that she experienced while serving.
A long-awaited investigation into sexual harassment and abuse on board the UK’s nuclear-armed submarines found “intolerable” behaviour – and it said more needs to be done despite the Royal Navy’s recent attempts to improve the experience of personnel.
Sophie Brook – who raised the alarm in 2022 – spoke to Sky News following a meeting with the head of the Royal Navy, Admiral Sir Ben Key.
She said she welcomed the Navy’s apology to her but she wants to see meaningful changes.
“I am appreciative of the full and unreserved apology that the First Lord Sea has given me,” she said.
“That means a lot to have had that both verbally and in a written letter and acknowledgment of everything that happened.
“I have relief that it’s finally come to an end.”
Ms Brook first spoke to Sky News in October 2022 when she detailed misogynistic abuse and bullying that she said led her to self-harm, including finding a serving officer naked in her bed and having an officer stick his tongue in her ear while she looked through a periscope.
Describing her ordeal, she said: “I was punched in the kidneys while I was on the periscope, I had someone lick my ear while I was again on the periscope and the same person put their penis in my pocket.
“It ranged from quite minor to serious incidents but even the minor ones – when they’re repeated or sustained over a number of months or years, actually they start to weigh you down.”
Ms Brook previously told Sky News she initially raised concerns internally about her alleged mistreatment. But she claimed that the Royal Navy turned on her, accusing her of fraud and of revealing information about the movement of a submarine.
She was formally dismissed from the service in June 2022 and handed a five-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months. By that time, she had already resigned and left the navy.
On the fraud charge, Ms Brook said she decided to plead guilty at court-martial because she had not been allowed more time to produce bank records that she claimed showed she had made car journeys that she had claimed petrol money for.
On the litigation, a Royal Navy spokesperson said previously: “All court martial trials are independent and presided over by a judge advocate, who is appointed in the same way as judges in other courts and ensures that matters are handled fairly and in compliance with the law.”
Admiral Key ordered an internal inquiry into the claims made by Brook and other women about their treatment while serving in the elite Submarine Service.
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In a statement, Admiral Key said: “The conclusion of the investigation into misconduct in the Submarine Service marks an inflection point for the Royal Navy.
“The investigation has confirmed misogyny, bullying and other unacceptable behaviours did occur during the investigation period, and this is intolerable.
“As the head of the Royal Navy, today I also offer a public apology, both to Ms Brook and to any personnel – past or present – that have been subject to any form of unacceptable behaviour during their time in service. I am truly sorry.”
The number of women serving in the Royal Navy remains low and even more so in the Submarine Service where women were only allowed to serve from 2014.
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Sky News understands in the last two years alone, there have been nearly 30 investigations into misogyny and sexual offences, and more than 20 individuals have been discharged.
Ms Brook said she hopes the Navy’s response is not just a token gesture, but a starting point for real, substantive change.
She said: “I think all that really matters is that the actions in future change…
“Certainly everything that the government was saying they are doing in the Royal Navy to improve things in the submarine service sounds like they should work and should improve the lived experience of people.
“Hopefully as long as these things do happen, it will make life better.”
Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email [email protected] in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK
