Petitions/Scrap the UK Armed Forces’ blanket ban on recruits with diabetes
StatusClosed
Opened21 Mar 2025
Closes21 Sept 2025
Government response
Parliamentary debateNot eligible
Milestones

We want the government to end the blanket ban on recruiting individuals with diabetes into the Armed Forces. We think the policy should be updated to allow those who can manage their condition effectively to serve, especially in non-physically demanding roles like cyber security and intelligence.

We feel the current ban on recruiting individuals with diabetes is outdated and inconsistent, particularly when service members with the condition can remain in the Armed Forces if well-managed. We think excluding capable recruits from critical roles, like cyber security, due to a medical condition is discriminatory and limits the pool of skilled personnel. With widespread skill shortages, particularly in high-demand areas, we think it's crucial to create a more inclusive Armed Forces, following the example of progressive nations like Finland.

10,000
100,000

Constituency engagement ranking

Julia Lopez
1Julia Lopez MP
Hornchurch and Upminster
7
Kirith Entwistle
2Kirith Entwistle MP
Bolton North East
5
Peter Kyle
3Peter Kyle MP
Hove and Portslade
2
Jen Craft
4Jen Craft MP
Thurrock
2
Joy Morrissey
5Joy Morrissey MP
Beaconsfield
1
Al Carns
6Al Carns MP
Birmingham Selly Oak
1
Barry Gardiner
7Barry Gardiner MP
Brent West
1
Juliet Campbell
8Juliet Campbell MP
Broxtowe
1
Bobby Dean
9Bobby Dean MP
Carshalton and Wallington
1
Sarah Gibson
10Sarah Gibson MP
Chippenham
1
Scrap the UK Armed Forces’ blanket ban on recruits with diabetes — Petitions