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The Telegraph
The Telegraph
National
Telegraph reporters

Red Arrows: Inquiry into ‘toxic’ culture ‘hears claims of bullying and sexual harassment’

The internal investigation into behaviour at the Red Arrows was launched in December - PAUL GROVER
The internal investigation into behaviour at the Red Arrows was launched in December - PAUL GROVER

An inquiry into the "toxic" culture of the Red Arrows has reportedly heard allegations of bullying, misogyny, assault, sexual harassment and drunkenness.

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

Earlier this year it was reported that a "huge under-the-table inquiry" was ongoing into an alleged drinking culture.

However, insiders have told The Times the non-statutory inquiry is far more wide-ranging.

It has so far documented at least 13 alleged behaviours including misogyny, harassment, sexual harassment, assault, “misunderstanding of consent”, sexual assault, victimisation, bullying, intimidation, isolation and indecent exposure.

A source claimed that female recruits were considered "fresh meat" and members of the 130-strong squadron would "pester" the women with WhatsApp messages.

The insider said: "All of them are married and they just don’t leave them alone. It’s a toxic environment."

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 inquiry was supposed to have concluded in May but has been repeatedly delayed. It is not known when the findings will be released.

Sqd Ldr Nick Critchell has reportedly quit the Red Arrows after he was said to have confronted a colleague over a 'toxic culture'
Sqd Ldr Nick Critchell has reportedly quit the Red Arrows after he was said to have confronted a colleague over a 'toxic culture'

An RAF spokesman said: “The RAF has a zero-tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviour and takes action wherever wrongdoing is proven.

“Following allegations of unacceptable behaviour within the Red Arrows, the RAF commissioned a thorough and far-reaching investigation."

It comes after it emerged last week that the RAF's Aerobatic Team - which normally consists of nine pilots - was down to a skeleton crew of seven.

Sqd Ldr Nick Critchell, 36, who flew as Red Five, had confronted a colleague over a "toxic culture" during training in Croatia and Greece in April, according to reports in The Sun.

Sqd Ldr Critchell was said to have resigned in disgust, the newspaper reported.

The RAF said Sqd Ldr Critchell left "for personal reasons to embark on a different career opportunity".

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