LGBT Veterans Independent Review, and other restorative action measures
The former Government commissioned the LGBT Veterans’ Independent Review in 2022 to better understand the experiences, impacts and implications of the pre-2000 policy. Chaired by the late Lord Etherton, the report was published on 19th July 2023 and brought together the story of the Ban with 1,128 testimonies shared in a Call for Evidence.
Lord Etherton made 49 recommendations, one of which was “the establishment of a public memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum to all LGBT people who have served and continue to serve in the military”. The then Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, made a formal apology on behalf of the British state to all those affected by the Ban, with the Government accepting all of the recommendations.
Key recommendations included the delivery of 14 non-financial restorative measures, ranging from the Etherton Ribbon, Service Chiefs’ apology letters to rank restoration and qualification of administrative discharge. In December 2024 the Government launched the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme, to recognise the broad range of ways veterans were impacted by the Ban.
Ministry of Defence
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Apology on behalf of the state given during Prime Ministers Question Time, 19 July 2023. The Prime Minister said:
“The ban on LGBT people serving in our military until the year 2000 was an appalling failure of the British state – decades behind the law of this land.”
“As today’s report makes clear, in that period many endured the most horrific sexual abuse and violence, homophobic bullying and harassment while bravely serving this country.”
“Today, on behalf of the British state, I apologise, and I hope all those affected will be able to feel part of the proud veteran community that has done so much to keep our country safe.”
