A Royal Navy investigation into misogyny, bullying and sexual harassment aboard nuclear submarines has been branded a ‘whitewash’ by whistleblowers.
First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Ben Key launched the inquiry after the Mail exposed claims of mistreatment up and down the chain of command in the submarine service last October.
But now the main whistleblower, Sophie Brook, 31, who welcomed the investigation, has withdrawn her support for the probe.
The former lieutenant questioned delays in the process and accused the Navy of trying to ‘scapegoat’ one senior officer in a cynical attempt to protect the reputation of the rest of the service.
Ms Brook said she feared the inquiry’s findings will be a ‘whitewash’ and she will no longer co-operate with it.
Sophie Brook (pictured) who had welcomed the investigation, has now withdrawn her support for the probe
The former lieutenant (pictured) questioned delays in the process and accused the Navy of trying to ‘scapegoat’ one senior officer
First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Ben Key (pictured here in 2021) launched the inquiry after the Mail exposed claims of mistreatment up and down the chain of command in the submarine service last October
‘Having battled for women in the service for close on 11 years now, ultimately ruining my career, dreams, reputation and bringing me to the point of suicide, the time has come for me to give up and move forward with my life,’ she said.
Another whistleblower, who reported being raped by a fellow submariner only to face a horrific bullying campaign, said she also felt let down by the investigation.
The woman said she endured a six-hour interview reliving her trauma while giving evidence to the inquiry but has yet to receive any kind of apology.
‘It has been a huge ordeal speaking out and it now feels like it might have all been for nothing,’ she said.
‘They seem to be dragging their heels, nothing has changed and I’ve not heard anything since giving evidence.’
The women were among several whistleblowers to speak out about mistreatment and abuse.
They revealed how submariners had compiled a ‘crush death rape list’ – listing women in the order they would be assaulted in the event of a catastrophic event.
A Navy spokesman said: ‘The First Sea Lord has been clear – any activity which falls short of the highest of standards the Royal Navy sets itself is totally unacceptable.
‘The investigation is ongoing and it would be inappropriate to comment further.’
