Recognition of LGBT+ veterans: FAQs

Prior to 2000, being LGBT+ was considered to be incompatible with service in the armed forces. The government has explained this meant that those serving who were or were perceived to be gay, lesbian or trans could be dismissed or otherwise forced to leave the armed forces.

LGBT Veterans Independent Review

In 2022 the government commissioned an independent review of the impact that the pre-2000 ban on homosexuality in the armed forces has had on LGBT veterans. Lord Etherton, who led the review, made 49 recommendations in his report covering the areas of “restitution, recognition and just satisfaction”.

On publication of the review in July 2023, then Prime Minister Rishi Sunak apologised on behalf of the country to LGBT veterans who were affected by the policy. His government began implementing the recommendations made by Lord Etherton.

Implementing the review

Implementation has continued under the current Labour government. On 12 December 2024, the Defence Secretary, John Healey, announced the implementation of many of the remaining recommendations, including the establishment of a financial recognition scheme. John Healey said the scheme is not a compensation scheme, but is intended to “recognise the discrimination and detriment suffered by LGBT personnel under the ban”.

Restoration of rank

The Defence Secretary also announced measures to allow LGBT personnel who served before the ban was lifted in 2000 to apply for the restoration of rank and the qualification of administrative discharge, if applicable.

Financial recognition

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has allocated £75 million for the financial recognition scheme, with a flat payment of £50,000 for “veterans who were dismissed or administratively discharged, including officers instructed to resign because of their actual or perceived sexual orientation or their gender identity under the ban”. A further “impact payment”, up to £20,000 per individual, will be also be available to eligible personnel.

The financial restorative measures only apply to personnel who served between 1967 and 2000. The government has extended some of the non-financial restorative measures to those serving prior to 1967.

Recommendations yet to be implemented

Of the 49 recommendations made by Lord Etherton, seven are yet to be fully implemented. This includes a memorial, planning for which is underway. Most are for the NHS to fulfil. The Minister for Veterans and People, Al Carns, has said he expects to complete the remaining recommendations “by 2027”.

This briefing answers some frequently asked questions about the review and points to further resources provided by the government on eligibility and how to apply for restorative measures.

A note on terminology

Lord Etherton explained in his report he used the term LGBT rather than, for example, LGBTQIA+, because LGBT is the acronym used in the review’s terms of reference. The Ministry of Defence also uses this term in reference to the review and restorative measures. This briefing reflects this usage.

Resources

• The LGBT veterans independent review, published 19 July 2023 
• LGBT veterans independent review website, with a timeline, a summary of recommendations, veteran testimonies and support services.
• LGBT veterans: support and next steps, collection of information on gov.uk on the restorative measures available to LGBT veterans and details on how to apply.