LGBT veterans urged to make claim as redress scheme enters final 100 days

Veterans impacted by the historical gay ban in the armed forces have 100 days left before the deadline to apply for financial redress.

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting has urged veterans to come forward to claim the cash they might be owed, as well as the opportunity for a formal, written apology and other forms of redress.

Awards of £50,000 discharge payments, and up to £20,000 in additional impact payments are available through the scheme.

Under the ban, which was in place between 1967 and 2000, men and women in the army, navy, and air force were subjected to brutal interrogation and bullying, and forced out of service, often with long-term impacts on their life and careers.

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said: “No one should face persecution or have to hide who they are. The ban caused lasting harm to many brave personnel who served our country.

“I hope all eligible veterans come forward before the application deadline closes in 100 days, and urge everybody across our armed forces and LGBT+ communities to spread the word.”

LGBT veterans charity, Fighting With Pride, recently warned that it believes lower than expected numbers of veterans have come forward in the North East of England, Yorkshire, South West England and Scotland to claim through the scheme.

It has also called on more women veterans to make applications for the scheme.

More than 1,500 people have come forward to apply for redress, but Fighting With Pride believes there are approximately 1,000 eligible people who have not.

Veterans impacted by the ban can make claims for redress at the Gov.uk/affected-by-the-ban webpage.