Menu
20/07/2023
Formal Apology For Veterans Impacted By LGBT Ban
The UK Government has issued an official apology to LGBT personnel and veteran impacted by the historic ban.
The apology, issued by the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Secretary of Defence Ben Wallace, following the publication of an independent review into the military's pre-2000 ban on LGBT personnel.
The independent review, chaired by Lord Etherton and co-commissioned by the Ministry of Defence and the Office for Veterans Affairs, examined the experiences of personnel between 1967-2000 who were impacted by the ban on homosexuality in the Armed Forces.
Lord Etherton's report found that investigations in an individual's sexuality were intrusive, invasive, and for some caused long-lasting and severe impacts to the lives of veterans and their families.
The review highlights the Government's unwavering commitment to understanding how best to support its veteran and LGBT community and acknowledges that it fully accepts that their treatment prior to 2000 was not acceptable.
In recognition of this the Prime Minister and Defence Secretary have formally apologised in the House of Commons today to all those who were affected and mistreated in the enactment of the ban.
The scope of the review focused on three main areas, with the primary one being the effect the historic policy may have had on those impacted by the ban, including the consequences for their future lives. It also looked at the accessibility of veterans' services for LGBT people and how to ensure that LGBT veterans are recognised and fully accepted as members of the armed forces.
Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak 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."
Defence Secretary, Ben Wallace said: "I am pleased that this review has shone a much needed light on a shameful and unacceptable historical chapter in our Armed Forces history. It is heart breaking that the very tolerance and values that we expected our soldiers, sailors and aviators to fight for, were denied to many of them.
"I am pleased we now have the opportunity to right those historic wrongs so that LGBT Veterans can once again take pride in their service."
Within the review are 49 recommendations, these include the restoration of medals that were required to be handed back on dismissal or discharge, the awarding of campaign and other medals that were withheld, the clarification of pension rights and the presentation of the Veterans Badge.
The Government has accepted the recommendations in principle whilst acknowledging that some may be delivered by different means. It is committed to working with LGBT Veterans to ensure that all restorative measures delivered are appropriate.
Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Johnny Mercer said: "This is a historic moment where we can reflect on the wrongs of the past but also recognise the extraordinary service of LGBT veterans who have bravely served this country.
"The apology today is an important part of addressing the historic hurt that many LGBT veterans feel.
"We're also looking to the future as we learn from the past, including stepping up support services for veterans affected by the issues raised in this review."
Minister for Defence, People, Veterans and Service Families ,Dr Andrew Murrison said: "What happened was wrong. I want to thank people who testified for their courage in coming forward with evidence. Our job now is to study the review's recommendations and say what we will do in response."
Craig Jones MBE, Executive Chair, and Caroline Paige, Chief Executive of Fighting With Pride, said: "Finally the voices of those who have lived for decades in the shadow of this abhorrent policy have been heard and their truth told. Today's apology from the Prime Minister recognises the suffering of veterans who met the challenges of service life but faced many cruel treatments from those in whom they placed their trust.
"Lord Etherton's report is a visceral account of the damage done and the opportunity for this Government to put in place substantial reparations. We must wash away the shame felt by these veterans and bring a just and honourable end to this unjust and dishonourable war."
The apology, issued by the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Secretary of Defence Ben Wallace, following the publication of an independent review into the military's pre-2000 ban on LGBT personnel.
The independent review, chaired by Lord Etherton and co-commissioned by the Ministry of Defence and the Office for Veterans Affairs, examined the experiences of personnel between 1967-2000 who were impacted by the ban on homosexuality in the Armed Forces.
Lord Etherton's report found that investigations in an individual's sexuality were intrusive, invasive, and for some caused long-lasting and severe impacts to the lives of veterans and their families.
The review highlights the Government's unwavering commitment to understanding how best to support its veteran and LGBT community and acknowledges that it fully accepts that their treatment prior to 2000 was not acceptable.
In recognition of this the Prime Minister and Defence Secretary have formally apologised in the House of Commons today to all those who were affected and mistreated in the enactment of the ban.
The scope of the review focused on three main areas, with the primary one being the effect the historic policy may have had on those impacted by the ban, including the consequences for their future lives. It also looked at the accessibility of veterans' services for LGBT people and how to ensure that LGBT veterans are recognised and fully accepted as members of the armed forces.
Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak 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."
Defence Secretary, Ben Wallace said: "I am pleased that this review has shone a much needed light on a shameful and unacceptable historical chapter in our Armed Forces history. It is heart breaking that the very tolerance and values that we expected our soldiers, sailors and aviators to fight for, were denied to many of them.
"I am pleased we now have the opportunity to right those historic wrongs so that LGBT Veterans can once again take pride in their service."
Within the review are 49 recommendations, these include the restoration of medals that were required to be handed back on dismissal or discharge, the awarding of campaign and other medals that were withheld, the clarification of pension rights and the presentation of the Veterans Badge.
The Government has accepted the recommendations in principle whilst acknowledging that some may be delivered by different means. It is committed to working with LGBT Veterans to ensure that all restorative measures delivered are appropriate.
Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Johnny Mercer said: "This is a historic moment where we can reflect on the wrongs of the past but also recognise the extraordinary service of LGBT veterans who have bravely served this country.
"The apology today is an important part of addressing the historic hurt that many LGBT veterans feel.
"We're also looking to the future as we learn from the past, including stepping up support services for veterans affected by the issues raised in this review."
Minister for Defence, People, Veterans and Service Families ,Dr Andrew Murrison said: "What happened was wrong. I want to thank people who testified for their courage in coming forward with evidence. Our job now is to study the review's recommendations and say what we will do in response."
Craig Jones MBE, Executive Chair, and Caroline Paige, Chief Executive of Fighting With Pride, said: "Finally the voices of those who have lived for decades in the shadow of this abhorrent policy have been heard and their truth told. Today's apology from the Prime Minister recognises the suffering of veterans who met the challenges of service life but faced many cruel treatments from those in whom they placed their trust.
"Lord Etherton's report is a visceral account of the damage done and the opportunity for this Government to put in place substantial reparations. We must wash away the shame felt by these veterans and bring a just and honourable end to this unjust and dishonourable war."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 November 2024
SF Calls For Action On NI Mental Health Services
Sinn Féin has called for more to be done to improve mental health services across the north of Ireland. The party's mental health spokesperson, MLA Órlaithí Flynn, made the call after the release of the Registrar General's 2023 Annual Report which has highlighted an increase in deaths by suicide in 2023.
SF Calls For Action On NI Mental Health Services
Sinn Féin has called for more to be done to improve mental health services across the north of Ireland. The party's mental health spokesperson, MLA Órlaithí Flynn, made the call after the release of the Registrar General's 2023 Annual Report which has highlighted an increase in deaths by suicide in 2023.
20 October 2023
New Scheme Announced To Improve Veteran Services
A new pilot scheme to improve health and wellbeing services for veterans living in Northern Ireland has been announced by the Office for Veterans' Affairs (OVA).
New Scheme Announced To Improve Veteran Services
A new pilot scheme to improve health and wellbeing services for veterans living in Northern Ireland has been announced by the Office for Veterans' Affairs (OVA).
19 November 2024
Department Of Health Encourages Self-Care This Winter
The Department of Health is urging people to take steps to care for their health and well-being, especially during the winter months. Health Minister Mike Nesbitt emphasised the importance of self-care, particularly for older adults and individuals with long-term health conditions.
Department Of Health Encourages Self-Care This Winter
The Department of Health is urging people to take steps to care for their health and well-being, especially during the winter months. Health Minister Mike Nesbitt emphasised the importance of self-care, particularly for older adults and individuals with long-term health conditions.
18 November 2024
Road Safety Week Highlights Human Cost Of Road Accidents
The Department for Infrastructure (DfI), emergency services, and victim support groups have launched Road Safety Week 2024, highlighting the devastating impact of road traffic collisions. On average, one person loses their life on Northern Ireland's roads every week, with 57 fatalities recorded so far this year.
Road Safety Week Highlights Human Cost Of Road Accidents
The Department for Infrastructure (DfI), emergency services, and victim support groups have launched Road Safety Week 2024, highlighting the devastating impact of road traffic collisions. On average, one person loses their life on Northern Ireland's roads every week, with 57 fatalities recorded so far this year.
15 November 2024
Other News In Brief
Appeal Following Armed Robbery In East Belfast PSNI detectives have issued an appeal for information following the report of an armed robbery in east Belfast on Friday 15th November.
Other News In Brief
Appeal Following Armed Robbery In East Belfast PSNI detectives have issued an appeal for information following the report of an armed robbery in east Belfast on Friday 15th November.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
