Grant Shapps demands urgent review of 'extremist' diversity initiatives – claiming it endangers national security

GRANT Shapps orders an inquiry into 'extremist' diversity and inclusion initiatives that could threaten national security.

The Minister of Defense has struck Army proposals to relax clearance checks for foreign recruits as part of a diversity drive.

1

He told military leaders to focus on remaining a “deadly fighting force” rather than lowering security standards.

A document has been leaked to The Sunday Telegraphcalled the British Army's Race Action Plan, has sparked outrage.

It suggests that military bosses should “challenge security requirements” in roles with “uncontrolled access to classified assets”.

It is argued that such a move would be beneficial because it would increase ethnic diversity in senior military ranks.

Mr Schapps said he was not aware of the plan and promised to conduct a review of diversity policy within defense.

He said: “This extremist culture has crept in over many years. It is time for a real shake-up designed to refocus the military on its core mission.”

Yesterday, The Sun reported how the top ranks of the military were reportedly discussing a proposal to make the army more diverse by recruiting foreigners.

The Telegraph reported that the military had drawn up their Race Action Plan last year, in which they pledged to “challenge security clearance requirements.”

The blueprint reportedly cited security checks as the “key barrier to non-British personnel gaining a commission in the military”.

It is claimed that the proposal was intended to increase diversity in the region Intelligence Corpswhose agents handle state secrets.

Currently, ethnic minorities make up only 14 percent of the regular army.

People from Commonwealth countries can serve in the military – and is reportedly seen as a way to meet recruitment targets.

Foreign applicants currently must have lived in Britain for at least five years to obtain security clearance.