The army has become infiltrated by a “woke” and “extremist culture” the Defence Secretary has said, after he ordered a major review of diversity and inclusion policies within the military.

Grant Shapps instructed the Ministry of Defence to review its guidelines to ensure that Britain can defend its borders and isn’t hindered by “political correctness”.

The move follows reports that the army wants to relax security checks for recruits in a bid to boost diversity and inclusion in the armed forces.

Recruitment targets have been consistently missed by the British armed forces with ethnic minorities making up just 14 per cent of the regular army.

Grant Shapps said that 'woke culture has infiltrated' the military

A leaked document, titled The British Army’s Race Action Plan, suggests the army “struggles to attract talent from ethnic minority backgrounds into the officer corps”.

The document is understood to represent the latest guidance and suggests that security clearance vetting is “the primary barrier to non-UK personnel gaining a commission in the Army”.

In response, Shapps said: “I am committed to improving the working conditions and morale of all those who work in the military and Ministry of Defence.

“This is not only the right thing to do but is key to improving recruitment and retainment in our forces.

“However, time and resources are being squandered to promote a political agenda which is pitting individuals against each other, when what we need is a common set of values which delivers the military we need to defend us and our allies.

“This extremist culture has infiltrated public life over years and it is time for a proper shake-up, designed to refocus the military on its core mission – being a lethal fighting force.”