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.

The average compensation settlement made by the MoD following bullying, harassment or discrimination claims reached £235,564 in 2022-23, the figures show.

In 2020-21, the figure was £100,527.

The number of settlements grew from fewer than five to 12 during the same period.

Ms Eagle said: “The Conservatives are continuing to fail to get grips with issues in defence.

“These revelations are shocking and expose a deeply concerning trend within the MoD.

“That both the number of settlement payments and the average payout has more than doubled in just two years lays bare the MoD’s problems with bullying, harassment and discrimination.

“Ministers must lead from the top to root out unacceptable behaviour in the MoD and the armed forces.”

There are serious concerns about the culture within the MoD and wider armed forces.

A report earlier this month found a “hostile, degrading and humiliating” environment within the Red Arrows display team and said women were plied with alcohol, treated like property and harassed for sex.

In November, it was reported that senior civil servants had also written to the MoD’s permanent secretary detailing claims that the women have been “propositioned,” “groped” and “touched repeatedly” by men working in the department.

Officials claimed their “day-to-day professional lives are made difficult thanks to behaviours that would be considered toxic and inappropriate in public life, but that are tolerated at the MoD.”

An MoD spokeswoman said the department does not tolerate abuse, bullying or discrimination “of any kind” and had introduced “many changes to improve the experience for everyone across defence.”

She added that all allegations are taken “extremely seriously and thoroughly investigated.”

“If proven, swift action will be taken,” she said.

“We actively encourage any personnel who believe they have experienced or witnessed unacceptable behaviour to report it.”