by
Craig Jones MBE and Caroline Paige MBE
In early May 2022, Caroline and I heard a Whitehall whisper, that Lord Etherton was to be appointed to lead the LGBT Veterans Independent Review and shared the quizzical glances of the unenlightened!
As the days passed before our first meeting we took comfort from learning of his remarkable and pioneering work as the UKs first ‘out judge’. Early in our first meeting reassurance became concrete when he told us that being ‘out’ in the judiciary, was his ‘absolute duty’. It is difficult to be sure if he appreciated the significance of the word ‘duty’ to us, but we left that room in no doubt that the community we served should have hope.
From the very beginnings of his work, Terence Etherton brought humanity, compassion and the courage of a lion to his role as the Chair of the LGBT Veterans Independent Review. At a time when he faced the rigours of invasive medical treatments for a debilitating and advancing illness, he met his tasking with unflagging energy and enormous compassion. For those who had good reason to trust no one in public office, one by one, he gave them time, reassurance and a smile that carried our veterans through uncertain months.
He laid bare the ravages of the ‘gay ban’ and its enduring impact and left no stone unturned and no enquiry unanswered. His rigour, laser sharp judgement, long hours and regard for each and every veteran produced an account of the ban and its enduring impact which was flawless. His recommendations were unassailable and compelled cross-party support for comprehensive action from the Government. It was not Lord Etherton’s role to broker, but it is clear that his position was pivotal and when I asked for more than was reasonable, his support achieved more than we had privately expected!
In Whitehall and in Westminster, he was the strongest possible advocate for LGBT+ veterans and their families.
On the most difficult days and in private he was often angered and upset, but also determined and finally joyous with each step forward. His heart and soul was in his work and he knew that finishing his work and enabling remedy needed to be swift for the LGBT Veterans community and for him.
This community styled the LGBT+ Veterans Pin Badge, the ‘Etherton Ribbon’, in honour and love of this remarkable man and when we gather at the National Memorial Arboretum in the Autumn of 2025 for the unveiling of the LGBT+ Veterans Memorial we have no doubt he will walk among us in spirit.
In the last 18 months of his life, Lord Etherton was selfless in his service of the Crown and veterans who had served the Crown with unfailing loyalty. For his work with a community which believed their cause was lost, this Knight in shining armour was appointed a GBE in the 2025 New Years Honours List. He considered the Report as his legacy.
We will forever be grateful to Lord Etherton’s husband Andrew, for all that he did to enable this great man to lead this crucial final stage on the journey of reparation.
