Diversity Targets Encapsulated…

It’s hard not to think that the DeBique debacle has arisen because of the diversity targets culture.

She was told the Army was a 'war-fighting machine' and 'unsuitable for a single mother who couldn't sort out her childcare arrangements'.

And that’s not wrong, though god knows, if the progressives have their way, that’s exactly what it’s going to become…

The case could have massive implications if other recruits argue that their childcare rights must be considered.

As they will, sure as eggs is eggs…

Tory politician Patrick Mercer, a former Army officer, warned last night: 'The defence budget is already hugely overstrained.

'If specialist childcare arrangements have to be made for every soldier who doesn't have an extended family to help it will be cripplingly expensive.'

Hard not to think that, as far as the progressives are concerned, that’s exactly the plan.

Miss DeBique also won a claim of race discrimination because Army chiefs did not let her bring her half-sister from the Caribbean to look after the child.

The former corporal, whose daughter is now four, told the Central London Employment Tribunal that British soldiers could rely on their families for childcare, but her relatives were all on her home island of St Vincent, where she was recruited.

This second victory raises serious questions about the Army's ability to recruit from Commonwealth countries if it will be held responsible for soldiers' childcare arrangements.

So, stop.

What could we lose? The chance to look good in brochures?