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Louise Sandher-Jones MP: ‘We’ve awarded £35m to dismissed LGBT+ veterans in one year – please keep coming forward’

One year ago, the Ministry of Defence opened the Financial Recognition Scheme. This was a vital component of our response to the Etherton Review and our commitment to right historical wrongs against LGBT+ veterans who served their country with honour but faced discrimination under outdated policies.

Since launching the Scheme on 13 December 2024, we have made significant progress. Over 1,300 applications have been received, with 1089 decisions already made, awarding more than £35 million in total to those who suffered injustice. Each application represents a veteran who deserves our recognition, and each decision is handled with the care and attention their service merits.

Last year also saw profound moments of national recognition. The unveiling of the LGBT+ Veterans Memorial marked a historic milestone – a permanent tribute to those who served whilst facing persecution.

“Defence is fully committed to implementing all 49 recommendations from the late Lord Etherton’s report”

I was deeply honoured to attend the unveiling of the UK’s first memorial dedicated to LGBT+ Armed Forces personnel alongside HM King Charles III. The memorial recognises a dark period in our past – when LGBT+ service members were banned from serving between 1967 and 2000 – and represents an important moment of acknowledgement and healing. It ensures that the experiences, courage and service of our LGBT+ veterans remain permanently honoured.

The memorial also represents our commitment to current and future LGBTQ+ service personnel: your sacrifice and dedication in protecting our nation, both at home and overseas, are deeply valued. We remain determined to foster an inclusive environment where all LGBTQ+ personnel receive the honour, respect and dignity they are entitled to.

Defence is fully committed to implementing all 49 recommendations from the late Lord Etherton’s report, including the Financial Recognition Scheme, to ensure justice for those who were affected.

“To any veteran reading this: you served your country with distinction, and you deserve recognition. Please come forward”

I want to be candid about the challenges we have faced with the Financial Recognition Scheme. Processing applications takes time because we are committed to getting every decision right. I understand the frustration expressed by veterans and organisations like Fighting with Pride, who rightly champion those affected. Their advocacy is important, and we are listening.

Reaching to as many eligible veterans remains our most significant challenge. We are working to connect with the community – individuals who may have understandable reasons to be cautious about engaging with Defence communications. Many carry the weight of past mistreatment and rebuilding that trust takes consistent effort across multiple channels, from traditional media to working closely with veteran organisations, NHS partners, and veteran employers. Due to the length of time that has passed since the Ban was lifted, and differences in record keeping at the time, Defence has no comprehensive way of identifying those impacted by the Ban. It is also important that applications are made through a standardised process to ensure fair and equal opportunity to all that apply.

The Financial Recognition Scheme closes at 23:59 on 12 December 2026. Between now and then, my priority continues to be ensuring that as many eligible veterans knows about this opportunity and feels supported in coming forward. We owe them nothing less than our sustained commitment to delivering the justice Lord Etherton’s review envisioned.

To any veteran reading this: you served your country with distinction, and you deserve recognition. Please come forward.

The Etherton Review

In recognition of the impact of historic law prohibiting same-sex sexual activity, and the policy prohibiting LGBT Service personnel from serving in HM Armed Forces, the Government has introduced processes to enable those affected to apply for restorative measures.

In 2022, the Government commissioned an independent review to better understand the impacts and implications of the policy that homosexuality was incompatible with life in HM Armed Forces between 1967 and 2000.

The Independent Review was published on 19 July 2023 and the Government published its formal response on 13 December 2023.

On 12 December 2024, the Government announced the extension of certain restorative measures for those who served prior to 1967, whose Service was impacted by former law criminalising same-sex sexual activity:

qualification of administrative discharge
restoration of rank
replacement discharge papers
publication of former officers’ service details in The Gazette

Call to Action

In response to the Etherton Review, the UK Government has introduced two schemes to address the harm caused by the ban.

The Non-Financial Restorative Measures Scheme allows eligible veterans to apply for a range of measures, which include:

A formal written apology from the Armed Forces.
Correction of service records to remove wrongful references to sexuality.
Restoration of rank or commission.
Return or re-issue of medals.

The LGBT+ Financial Recognition Scheme provides:

Dismissed or Discharged Payment (£50,000): For veterans dismissed or discharged, due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Impact Payment (£1,000-£20,000): Recognising harm such as harassment, humiliation, or career impact.

Eligible veterans may receive a maximum of £70K.

These payments are tax-exempt and will not affect means-tested benefits.

Both Schemes will close 23:59 on 12 December 2026 and no new application will be accepted after this date.

Veterans can apply online and check their eligibility via the Defence Gateway or by post through Veterans UK. Support is available from Fighting with Pride and The Royal British Legion.