Royal Navy veteran fights for 'adequate' compensation after 'shocking treatment' under 'gay ban'

An open letter has been sent to Prime Minister Kier Starmer calling for adequate compensation after veterans minister, Al Carns, vowed a financial redress would launch next year. Survivors of the scandal suffered days of interrogation when it was discovered they were gay and many were dismissed from the forces, lost out on job opportunities and were shunned by families and friends.

An independent review into the service and experience of LGBT veterans  who served prior to 2000, led by Lord Etherton, recommended a £50 million cap on the total sum of compensation.

The letter, which was published today (October 23), has argued that the suggested cap could result in ‘inadequate’ compensation with suggestions of the average payout being £12,500. Fighting with Pride’s campaign director and Royal Navy veteran, Craig Jones, said: “The funding intended for this scheme is inadequate and fails to take account of the shocking treatment inflicted upon a community of veterans who defended our peace and freedom but were treated in a way which the Prime Minister said had brought dishonour on our nation.

“This is the moment for the Government to do the right thing.

“We are aware that veterans minister Al Carns is working hard to find greater funding for this scheme, but more must be done to achieve payments that bring a sense of justice for LGBT Veterans affected by this awful policy.

“We must not miss the opportunity to extend the modern values of the armed forces to veterans who were shamed for decades.”

The National Audit Office reported that up to 4,000 veterans are expected to be eligible for compensation.

Chief executive of Help for Heroes James Needham, said: “LGBT+ veterans, both before and immediately after the lifting of the ban in 2000, experienced an almost unique set of injuries due to this discriminatory policy, including wrongful imprisonment, loss of careers and pensions and exclusion from the veteran community.

“We’re also disappointed that a promised debate in Parliament may not happen before the compensation scheme starts, which would be a missed opportunity for MPs to discuss and ensure fairness for those impacted.”

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