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# Boris Johnson urged to apologise to LGBTQ+ troops kicked out over sexuality
- URL: https://www.scenemag.co.uk/boris-johnson-urged-to-apologise-to-lgbtq-troops-kicked-out-over-sexuality/
- Published: 2022-01-24T13:00:44.000Z
- Updated: 2022-01-24T11:24:34.000Z
- Description: Former veterans minister Johnny Mercer urges Boris Johnson to apologise to LGBTQ+ troops kicked out over sexuality
- Author: Graham Robson
- Tags: News, Armed Forces, Boris Johnson, LGBTQ

Former veterans minister **Johnny Mercer** has urged Prime Minister **Boris Johnson** to say sorry and pay ­compensation to LGBTQ+ troops jailed or dismissed because of their sexuality.

Mr Mercer said: *“It’s the least he can do for the pain they have suffered. Our armed forces are now the world’s best for LGBTQ+ inclusion but that was not always the case.*

*“A national apology and compensation will go some way to repairing the damage done to so many lives.”*

It has been reported that up to 20,000 LGBTQ+ forces staff lost careers – some even jailed or having medals ripped from their uniforms – until the ban was lifted in 2000 following a ruling by the **European Court of Human Rights**.

![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/skynews-johnny-mercer-mp_4673293.jpg)

Johnny Mercer

The **Cabinet Office** has ordered an independent review of their treatment and Home Secretary **Priti Patel** has offered veterans pardons and the inquiry will consider possible compensation for loss of earnings and ­pensions.

**Fighting With Pride** (FWP), the military charity created on the 20th anniversary of the complete lifting of the ban on LGBTQ+ service, supports LGBTQ+ veterans, serving personnel and their families, particularly those who were affected by the ‘gay ban’.  

FWP joint chiefs **Craig Jones** and **Caroline Paige** said: *“We look forward to working with Government to achieve an honourable outcome for LGBTQ+ veterans.”*

**For more info on FWP, [CLICK HERE](https://www.fightingwithpride.org.uk/?ref=scenemag.co.uk)**