The Times reported that more than 40 staff members, including young recruits, had provided 250 hours of evidence to an inquiry launched this year, describing the stunt team as “toxic”. Armed Forces Minister James Heappey told Times Radio that some staff had been removed from the screening team for this season. Heappey said he had confidence in Air Marshal Sir Mike Wigston and his team’s investigation into the allegations. He said: “The highest standards are required of our armed forces in all areas, and 99.99% of them deliver the baton. Those who are privileged to serve in an organization like the Red Arrows have, I think, an even greater responsibility because they are so much in the public eye, and the allegations that have been made are very disturbing indeed. “The Royal Air Force has, I think, taken the right action in investigating those against whom these allegations have been made. I am sure the Chief of Air Staff and his team are investigating these allegations – they have taken steps to remove them from the screening team for this season. “We will wait until these investigations are complete before holding those responsible accountable.” The Times reported that the alleged victims were told that if they spoke out they would be sent home or kicked out of the RAF. The paper said senior leaders had been “sweeping complaints under the carpet” for years to protect the reputations of people deemed “untouchable”. Members of the Red Arrows, based at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire, have also been accused of being drunk, but an RAF spokesman said the allegations were “unfounded”. A Ministry of Defense (MoD) source confirmed that a number of personnel with the Red Arrows had been investigated for alleged misconduct, none of the claims met the threshold for criminal charges and the final report of the investigation was with RAF leaders for their consideration. . It is understood that none of the pilots currently in the team are accused of wrongdoing. An RAF spokesman said: “The RAF has a zero tolerance approach to unacceptable behavior and takes action where wrongdoing is proven. Following allegations of unacceptable behavior in the Red Arrows, the RAF commissioned a thorough and extensive investigation. “We will not comment further on the individual circumstances of specific staff moves, which have been made without prejudice and are the result of both personal and professional reasons. “Allegations of Red Arrows pilots flying drunk are unfounded. All RAF pilots, in the Red Arrows or otherwise, are subject to strict alcohol consumption regulations before taking any flight. Safety remains paramount and any pilot found to have breached these regulations will simply not be allowed to fly and will face disciplinary action.”
