Defence Secretary Orders Review Following Reported Army Plan to Boost Diversity by Relaxing Security Checks

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said he’s ordering a review at his department after a report claimed the Army is planning to boost ethnic diversity in recruits by relaxing security requirements. Mr. Shapps said there will be no “lowering of security clearance requirements” on his watch. “I am ordering a review of diversity and inclusivity policy at the MoD,” the defence secretary said in a statement. “We want people from all backgrounds to serve in our military but some policies appear to be more about a political agenda than practically improving the lives of our dedicated soldiers and military personnel. “There will certainly not be any lowering of security clearance requirements on my watch....