THE average number of settlements paid out by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) over bullying, harassment and discrimination claims have doubled since 2019, official figures revealed today.

Labour called the data “shocking” and urged ministers to “root out” unacceptable behaviour in the department and the armed forces.

The figures, obtained by shadow defence minister Maria Eagle through written parliamentary questions, come weeks after reports that 60 senior women at the MoD had complained of a “hostile” and “toxic” environment amid allegations of sexual assault and harassment.