MoD diversity-related roles estimated to cost £2.74 million a year
Data obtained through a Freedom of Information request suggests the Ministry of Defence had 53 staff with diversity-related terms in their job titles as of 31 March 2026, at an estimated annual salary cost of £2.74 million. The figures have prompted criticism from opposition politicians, who argue that defence funding and frontline needs should take priority.
The estimate was calculated by multiplying staff numbers in each role by the median salary band; the roles included two RAF Wing Commanders, a Royal Navy Commodore and an RAF Squadron Leader. The MoD disputes the figures, saying a keyword search of job titles does not show how many staff work exclusively on diversity and inclusion. It says it is investing almost £300 billion in defence over the next four years.
In short
- MoD diversity-related roles were estimated to cost £2.74 million a year.
- The estimate counted 53 staff with relevant terms in their job titles.
- The MoD says the figures do not identify staff working exclusively on inclusion.
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The case for
Critics argue that defence budgets should prioritise operational readiness, equipment and personnel directly supporting frontline tasks, especially when public money is limited. They say the estimated £2.74 million annual cost merits scrutiny and that roles should demonstrate clear value to the MoD’s core defence mission.
The case against
The MoD’s response is that job-title searches cannot establish how much of these staff members’ work is exclusively about diversity and inclusion, so the estimate may overstate the cost attributable to it. Supporters can argue that inclusive policies and advice help the armed forces recruit, retain and support a broad range of personnel, contributing to organisational effectiveness; the reported figures alone do not show whether these roles compete with frontline spending.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Cash-strapped MoD blows £3million on ‘diversity’: Labour should put frontline soldiers first, say critics”.