The UK Government has launched a £75 million LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme to acknowledge the historic wrongs endured by LGBT veterans who were dismissed or discharged from the Armed Forces due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.
The scheme follows extensive engagement with affected veterans and increases the financial allocation significantly beyond the recommendations of the Etherton Review, which investigated the treatment of LGBT personnel in the Armed Forces between 1967 and 2000.
Under the scheme, LGBT veterans dismissed or discharged due to their sexual orientation or gender identity will receive £50,000. Additional payments of up to £20,000 will be available for those negatively affected by the ban during their time in service, bringing the total potential individual payment to £70,000. These payments are exempt from income tax and means-tested benefits to ensure recipients receive the full amount.
Historic Recognition of Wrongful Treatment
Defence Secretary John Healey described the historic treatment of LGBT veterans as a “moral stain on our nation” and reiterated the Government’s commitment to addressing these injustices.
“We have listened to veterans and will continue to deliver against the recommendations set out in the Etherton review,” he said. “We will continue to support our veterans as we work to renew the nation’s contract with those who serve, and have served.”
Veterans and serving personnel affected by the historic ban will also be able to apply for rank restoration and to amend the reason for their discharge. Other non-financial measures include reissuing certificates of service and publishing former officers’ service details in The Gazette. These measures will also be extended to those who served before 1967, broadening the scheme’s reach.
Support for Veterans and Stakeholders
The scheme opens for applications on 13 December 2024, with £90,000 allocated to key charities to assist LGBT veterans in completing their applications. The Ministry of Defence has committed to delivering the remaining recommendations from the Etherton Review by 2025, marking significant progress in addressing the legacy of discrimination.
Minister for Veterans and People Alistair Carns emphasised the importance of urgent action, stating:
“The treatment of LGBT people is a shameful chapter in the history of our Armed Forces, and we are working hard to address the wrongs of the past. We fully welcome our LGBT veterans back into Defence and acknowledge their vital contribution to keeping the nation safe.”
The scheme and associated measures are set to be debated in the House of Commons, with several affected veterans invited to observe the session. The Government’s steps aim to provide both financial redress and symbolic recognition of the injustices faced by LGBT veterans.
I can only think of the Commander Maharggs segment on ‘The Day Today. ‘
Coll, you might have to explain that!
It was Brasseye Episode 4.
Meanwhile the RFA can’t get a decent pay rise.
Well said. Shocking priorities.
These guys and gals served their country and were treated shockingly. They deserve every penny and more for the way they were discarded.
The rfa need more pay, it’s not a zero sum game and both things can be deserving on the cash
What were the rules at the time of their signing on and subsequent dismissal?
Quite right Brom! Well said. It’s disappointing that the first comments are immediately sneering at the idea of compensation. Yes the MOD has a mnumber of priorities and is cash-strapped. But the only shocking thing here is that is has taken decades to consider compensation as an appropriate way of dealing with the shameful actions of the MOD and Government more broadely. They just wanted to serve and through no fault of their own had this choice illegally removed from them.
Everyone should take a few minutes to read the Etherton report (quick google) the case studies are genuinely upsetting when you remember that these people are Oppos, shipmates, wingers and firends to those who they are serving with. Under these legacy rules i would be kicked out of the military tomorrow; yet these people struggled and suffered for our right to serve.
As you say, not a zero sum game. This has been a long time coming!
Has no one introduced the Labour government to the concept of “nice to haves” and “need to haves”? Whilst the house is on fire and water apparently is in short supply it probably isn’t the best of time to take the fire hose off the burning house and instead directing it to filling a garden paddling pool. The paddling pool can wait.