Campaigners are fuming after the government apparently shelved a long-awaited report into the historic treatment of LBGT+ people in the military.
As many as 20,000 were jailed or dismissed for their sexuality before the gay ban in the military was lifted in 2000.
And many were outed to their families and friends against their will.
After a Sunday Mirror campaign, ministers ordered a review of the hardship suffered by veterans during and after their service as a result of the cruel ban.
It’s understood the report, led by lawyer Lord Etherton, was passed to the government a week ago, with campaigners expecting publication in the coming days.
Campaign group Fighting with Pride had arranged an event at the Imperial War Museum in tktk for next week (June 8) to mark the publication.
But it’s now understood the publication has been delayed until later in the Summer, leaving campaigners fearful it’ll be buried just before the lengthy Commons recess.
In a joint statement, ex-Naval officer Craig Jones who chairs the campaign group, and former RAF officer Caroline Paige, said: “Over 1150 Veterans and families stepped forward to give evidence to Lord Etherton, describing the full force of the 'gay ban'. How it devastated their lives, causing impoverishment, the loss of careers; homes; families; friends and lifelong trauma.
“These veterans returned to the darkest of their days to submit their experiences to the Review.
“To delay publication of this report perpetuates the injustice and cruelty of the ban; further letting them down after all these years. Our veterans deserve to see the report they courageously trusted in.”
They added: “The report, completed by one of our most senior Law Lords, will reveal how military police hunted them down, subjected them to brutal investigations, during which some were abused.
“Many served prison sentences, as recently as 1995. Despite their experiences, these veterans hold our Armed Forces in high esteem and have continued their service by the act of giving evidence.
“The report will tell a story which is a shame upon the United Kingdom and this report should be made public now. “
Labour MP Dan Carden raised the issue in the Commons on Thursday, asking Tory Penny Mordaunt : “There are rumours of a delay, so can she confirm that Lord Etherton has submitted his review and that it will be published on 8 June, not delayed, to allow for full parliamentary scrutiny?”
Ms Mordaunt did not offer a response, but said she’d raise it with the Ministry of Defence.
A Government spokesperson said: “We are proud of our LGBT+ veterans and grateful for their service in defence of our nation.
“We can confirm that Lord Etherton has concluded his independent review and submitted his report to the Government.
"In line with the terms of reference we will carefully consider the findings and respond in due course."
A Cabinet Office spokesperson said: “The 8th of June event is organised by the independent review team to thank those who have participated in its work and mark the occasion of submitting the report to ministers. This is entirely separate to the publication of the review and the government’s response, which will be published in due course.”
