Veterans affected by the British armed forces’ ‘gay ban’ to receive up to £70,000 in compensation

Veterans affected by the armed forces’ ‘gay ban’, which ran until 2000, will receive up to £70,000 in compensation, a 50% increase to what was previously announced.

Defence secretary John Healey announced on December 12 that the total amount available will be £75 million; those who were dismissed or discharged because of their sexual orientation will receive £50,000 and additional payments of up to £20,000 will be given to veterans or serving personnel who were negatively affected by the ban before 2000 during their time in service.

It is understood that veterans will also be able to apply to have their rank restored or discharge reason amended.

A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: “We deeply regret the treatment of LGBT serving personnel between 1967 and 2000, which was wholly unacceptable and does not reflect today’s armed forces. We are fully committed to ensuring this issue receives parliamentary scrutiny.

“We are delivering on all the recommendations from the LGBT veterans review, with 38 of the 49 already implemented. We are working with experts across government to establish an appropriate financial redress scheme and will provide more details very soon.”

Fighting With Pride, the LGBTQ+ veterans charity, has been approached for comment