Rishi Sunak has apologised on behalf of the Government for the “appalling” historic ban on LGBT people serving in the British military.
The Prime Minister’s apology comes after a Government-commissioned independent review into LGBT veterans, released on Wednesday, recommended he do so.
Mr Sunak told the Commons on Wednesday: “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, all while bravely serving this country.
“Today, on behalf of the British state, I apologise.”
He added: “I hope all those affected will be able to feel proud parts of the veteran community that has done so much to keep our country safe.”
The independent review into the service and experience of LGBT veterans who served in the armed forces between 1967 and 2000 was carried out by Lord Etherton, former Master of the Rolls and Head of Civil Justice.
Lord Etherton’s report said: “I recommend that the Prime Minister should deliver an apology in the UK Parliament on behalf of the nation to all those LGBT service personnel who served under and suffered from the ban (whether or not they were dismissed or discharged).”
The apology was welcomed by former British Army Officer Catherine Dixon, who said she had experienced shame and humiliation during the course of her military career.
Now vice-chair at Stonewall, she said: “Today’s apology and announcements are an important step to achieving justice for those LGBTQ+ people who served in HM Armed Forces and, like me, experienced shame, humiliation and a ruined military career because of our sexuality.
“Many were imprisoned, experienced corrective violence and lived with the stain of criminal convictions because of who they loved and which left some homeless and many unable to work.”
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said his party was “proud to repeal the ban” on LGBT personnel serving in the forces when it was in office.
“Today, we strongly welcome this apology from the Prime Minister as a recognition of their historic mistreatment,” he said.
The report also recommended an “appropriate financial award” should be made to veterans affected by the pre-2000 ban on homosexuality in the armed forces.
It said: “An appropriate financial award should be made to affected veterans notwithstanding the expiry of litigation time limits.
“The Government’s overall exposure should be capped at £50 million.”
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said he recognises there should be a financial award for affected veterans.
He told the Commons: “On the financial award, I think first and foremost we recognise there should be a financial award.”
He added: “I think it’s important we work with people like Fighting With Pride to work through how we can do it.”
Independent MP Margaret Ferrier said: “A number of [LGBT veterans] found themselves stripped of their medals. Will these now be returned swiftly? And the ban on LGBT veterans wearing their uniform at ceremonies be lifted?”
Mr Wallace said: “In answer to both: yes.”
He also said LGBT veterans who were told they would not qualify for medals “will be able to have their medals from now on”.
