The UK Government is facing criticism for the amount of compensation being offered to LGBTQ+ veterans who suffered mistreatment while serving in the British armed forces.
Last year, the UK government released an Independent Review into the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals in the military, which included recommendations for compensating those affected.
However, Fighting with Pride, a UK charity supporting LGBTQ+ veterans, estimates that the compensation could be as low as £12,500.
As the Ministry of Defence (MOD) now anticipates up to 4,000 UK veterans may seek compensation, there is mounting anger over the final amount that each claimant might receive.
Craig Jones, Head of Campaign at Fighting with Pride, told BFBS Forces News that the proposed amount is “derisory” and “absolutely not appropriate.” He pointed out that this compensation is significantly lower than those awarded to victims in other UK scandals.
Mr Jones emphasised the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ service members in the UK, saying: “These individuals served in operations worldwide, including Northern Ireland, the Falklands, and the Gulf. If they were found to be LGBTQ+, they were arrested and investigated. Some were even taken to military hospitals, which was disgraceful. Many were sentenced to six months in either military detention or civilian prison at court-martial. They were outed to friends and family, and they lost their careers.”
The charity argues that £12,500 is insufficient to compensate for the lifelong impact of these events on UK veterans.
Some of the anger stems from the MOD’s revision of the estimated number of eligible UK claimants. Last year, Lord Etherton, who led the Independent Review, recommended compensation be set at £50 million. However, Fighting with Pride contends that this figure was advisory, not definitive.
Initially, the MOD estimated that around 2,500 UK veterans would be eligible for compensation. However, in a July 2024 National Audit Office report, this number increased to 4,000. This unexpected rise means that claimants may receive a smaller payout than anticipated.
Mr Jones said the UK government has already indicated to Fighting with Pride that it does not plan to increase the overall amount available for the compensation scheme. He believes the government needs to reconsider its stance and examine similar compensation schemes in the UK for comparison.
“There seems to be some misunderstanding within the UK Ministry of Defence regarding Lord Etherton’s intentions with the £50 million figure. They need to reassess their approach and consider the outcomes they want for these exceptional UK veterans,” Mr Jones added.
Fighting with Pride maintains that Lord Etherton’s recommendation of £50 million was meant specifically for those “discharged in disgrace” due to their sexuality, not for those who were constructively dismissed or resigned before action was taken against them. Mr Jones believes this distinction has been overlooked in the UK government’s decision-making and plans to address the issue with the new veterans’ minister, Al Carns, in September.
One UK veteran affected is ex-RAF fireman Carl Austin-Behan, who was discharged in 1997 after his commanders discovered he was gay, ending a highly commendable career. In an interview marking LGBTQ+ Pride in June 2024, Mr Austin-Behan said that while compensation could help, it can never fully repair the damage done.
He reflected on his experience, “I sometimes forget how badly I was treated back then, as I’ve pushed it to the back of my mind. But in reality, it was horrific. Compensation is vital, as it acknowledges the suffering. Some people I speak to had their families torn apart, and some even went to prison.”
The previous UK government had committed to a debate in the House of Commons on the recommendations from the Independent Review, including compensation. This debate is expected to take place when the UK parliament reconvenes in the autumn.
Mr Jones stressed that Fighting with Pride will campaign vigorously ahead of the debate to ensure the current outcome is not the final decision for UK LGBTQ+ veterans.
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson stated, “This new government will renew the UK’s commitment to those who serve and have served. The treatment of LGBTQ+ personnel between 1967 and 2000 was entirely unacceptable and does not reflect today’s Armed Forces. Over half of the recommendations from the LGBTQ+ veterans review have been implemented, including creating an LGBTQ+ community memorial, apology letters from Service Chiefs, and replacement berets for those discharged. We are working swiftly to address the remaining recommendations, with more information to come on restorative measures.”
