The Government published its response to Lord Etherton’s LGBT Veterans Independent Review on 13 Dec.
Grant Shapps, Secretary of State for Defence said:
“The way that LGBT personnel were treated between 1967 and 2000 was unacceptable. Our response to Lord Etherton’s Review demonstrates the positive action we are taking to help rectify this regrettable chapter in the history of the Armed Forces. The Government’s response is part of our commitment in supporting our LGBT Veterans in every way possible.
“We encourage LGBT veterans to register on the GOV.UK page to allow us to continue to right the wrongs of the past.”
The response outlines the steps that are being taken by the Government in response to the recommendations. You can also read an executive summary of the actions the Government is taking.
14 restorative measures are available to apply for and register an interest in today. These measures show the Government’s commitment to putting right the historic wrongs and hurt so that our veterans can once again take pride in their service.
Detailed information about the restorative measures, services, how to apply and support available can be found on the LGBT Veterans: support and next steps – GOV.UK page.
What does this mean for anyone affected?
If you, or someone you know, was impacted by the Ban, you/they may be eligible for restorative measures.
Please encourage them to visit the LGBT Veterans: support and next steps – GOV.UK page for more information.
Since its publication in July, the GOV.UK page has acted as a ‘front door’ for anyone affected to understand what support, services and restorative measures are available to them.
On the page you can find:
- Information on the pre-existing, new and planned restorative measures
- The Application and Registration of Interest forms, through which those affected, or a Person of Significant Interest to a deceased veteran, can apply for the restorative measures.
- A detailed ‘Applying for Restorative Action guide’, which will help applicants understand the measures available, their eligibility and expected timelines.
- A list of the services and support available to all veterans.
The Government has accepted the recommendation of a financial award and acknowledges the importance of timeliness whilst being acutely aware of the considerations that it must result in a fair outcome.
As there are no reliable statistics regarding the size of the affected cohort, due to the broad ways in which personnel were impacted, the scheme is exceptionally complicated to design. To address this the Government encourages those impacted by the Ban to indicate their interest in applying for a financial award on the LGBT Veterans: support and next steps GOV.UK page which will enable the Government to learn more about the affected community and thereby design the most appropriate scheme possible.
The Government will add information on eligibility and how to apply for a financial award to the LGBT Veterans: support and next steps GOV.UK page when it is available.
Detailed information about the restorative measures, services, how to apply and support available to you can be found on the LGBT Veterans: support and next steps – GOV.UK page.