LGBT veterans will receive up to £70,000 each to acknowledge the
historic wrongs they experienced in the Armed Forces – with the
Government increasing the total amount available for payments to
£75 million, significantly above the level recommended in the
Etherton Review into the treatment of LGBT veterans.
The increase follows extensive engagement with LGBT veterans and
demonstrates the Government's commitment to supporting veterans
alongside recognising the historic hurt caused.
LGBT veterans who were dismissed or discharged because of their
sexual orientation or gender identify will receive £50,000. As a
result of the increased funding, additional payments of up to
£20,000 will be available for veterans and Service Personnel who
were negatively affected by the ban on LGBT personnel from 1967
to 2000 during their time in Service – this is an increase of 50%
to the Financial Recognition Scheme.
Ministers have also announced today that LGBT veterans, dismissed
or discharged due to their actual or perceived sexual orientation
or gender identity, can apply to have their rank restored and
discharge reason amended.
Defence Secretary said:
“The historic treatment of LGBT veterans was a moral stain on our
nation. Our Government is determined to right the wrongs of
the past and recognise the hurt that too many endured.
“We have listened to veterans and will continue to deliver
against the recommendations set out in the Etherton review and
support our veterans as we work to renew the nation's contract
with those who serve, and have served.
“This work was rightly started by the previous Government, and
will be taken forward and delivered by this Government.”
The Financial Recognition Scheme and other restorative measures
will be debated in the House of Commons today (Thursday 12
December), with a portal for applications opening tomorrow.
Several veterans affected by the LGBT ban have been invited to
watch the debate.
Today's announcements mark a significant step towards
implementing Lord Etherton's review, which looked at the
appalling treatment of LGBT serving personnel between 1967 and
2000. With applications opening tomorrow for the Financial
Recognition Scheme, which will leave only seven recommendations
outstanding, the Ministry of Defence is working closely with
other Government departments and stakeholders to ensure all
remaining recommendations are delivered in 2025.
The payments announced today will be exempt from income tax and
means tested benefits, ensuring LGBT veterans benefit from the
full amount available.
Minister for Veterans and People said:
“This response to Lord Etherton's Review indicates the urgent
action we're taking to help redress the regrettable chapter in
the history of the Armed Forces.
“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.”
To help as many eligible people to apply as possible, the
Ministry of Defence has set aside a £90,000 fund for key
charities to support LGBT veterans with their applications.
Four non-financial restorative measures, including the two
announced today on rank restoration and the qualification of
administrative discharges, will be extended to those who served
before 1967. The other two are certificates of service being
reissued and former Officers having their service details
published in The Gazette.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
- The Ministry of Defence encourages veterans affected by the
Ban to apply for the restorative measures including the Financial
Recognition Scheme by visiting www.gov.uk/LGBT-veterans.
- The Financial Recognition Scheme will include two types of
payments, the first for those who were dismissed or discharged
and the second, for those who were impacted in other ways,
including those dismissed and discharged. This will acknowledge
the suffering caused by the historic policy with payment levels
being proportionate to the experiences of individuals.
- The ‘LGBT Dismissed or Discharged Payment' will be available
to veterans who were dismissed or administratively discharged,
including officers who were instructed to resign, based solely on
their actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity
under the Ban. Eligible applicants for this payment will receive
a flat rate of £50,000 and may be eligible to apply for a further
LGBT Impact Payment.
- The ‘LGBT Impact Payment' will be available to those who
experienced pain and suffering which was directly related to the
Ban, including harassment, invasive investigations and
imprisonment. There will be 3 tariff levels with payments varying
from £1,000-£20,000 and this payment will be decided by an
Independent Panel, separate from and independent of the Ministry
of Defence.
