LGBT veterans urged to meet UK compensation deadline

Britain's Defence Secretary Wes Streeting urged LGBT military veterans dismissed or harmed under the former ban on their service to apply for compensation before the December 12 deadline.

Streeting said he hoped all eligible veterans would come forward. LGBT people were barred from serving in Britain's military from 1967 to 2000, a policy Streeting said caused lasting harm.

The government announced in 2024 that it would allocate £75 million to former armed forces members or employees dismissed or discharged over sexual orientation, with £50,000 promised to each. People targeted in other ways, including investigations, harassment or disciplinary action, may be eligible for £20,000.

The government website says 1,892 payments have been made so far. Financial payments are available only to living veterans, not descendants. Veterans and descendants can also apply for non-financial compensation, including an official apology letter or a restoration ceremony. Forty restoration ceremonies have been held.

Rishi Sunak apologised as prime minister in 2023 on behalf of the government to veterans for sexual abuse, violence, homophobic bullying and harassment.