Army medic ‘forced out’ after backlash to ‘men cannot be women’ social media post

A reservist Army medic felt he had “no choice but to resign” after being investigated for defending biological sex on Facebook.

Colonel Dr Kelvin Wright became the subject of an internal investigation after sharing the quote: “If women cannot stand in a public place and say ‘Men cannot be women’, then we do not have women’s rights at all.”

His 14 years of distinguished service included two tours of Afghanistan and more recently he led a team providing medical battlefield training to Ukrainian soldiers.

‘Devastated’

In emails seen by the Telegraph, the investigating officer specifically referred to policies related to the “recruitment and management of transgender personnel”.

Col Dr Wright said: “At no point was the Army’s social media policy mentioned to me. But having viewed that policy I cannot see how I could be deemed to have breached it.”

The intensive care consultant says he has been devastated by what has happened, and now feels the Army is no longer an organisation he wishes to serve in.

“I’ve gone because my chain of command hasn’t got the moral courage to back me up in something like this.”

Investigation

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace denied the senior soldier had been “forced out” and said his views are “not contrary to Army policy”.

He claimed the “investigation stemmed from Army social media policy and had nothing to do with his views”.

An Army spokesman said: “Personnel may face administrative action where they breach the Army’s social media policy, this includes wearing uniform on profiles without the relevant disclaimers on personal views.”

He added: “Such cases would not result in dismissal or career impinging action.”