The debate acknowledges the historic injustice faced by LGBT personnel who served in Britain's armed forces under a ban on homosexuality. The Defence Secretary announced that almost all of Lord Etherton’s 49 recommendations have been implemented, with an additional £75 million financial recognition scheme to compensate affected veterans. This includes correcting discharge records and restoring ranks for those impacted by the ban.

Thornberry raised concerns about non-military personnel, such as members of the secret service who were dismissed due to their sexual orientation. She questioned whether there should be parity in compensation for those outside the armed forces.

Efford highlighted a constituent's harrowing experience of abuse and humiliation when dismissed from the Royal Air Force. He questioned whether such actions were sanctioned by senior officials.

Eshalomi commended Ed Hall, a constituent who was one of the founding members of the legal campaign to lift the ban on LGBT personnel in the armed forces. She thanked the Secretary of State for his passionate speech.

Shastri-Hurst asked about the steps taken to ensure reliable data gathering on the size of the affected cohort and their eligibility for compensation under the new scheme.

Baxter welcomed the financial recognition scheme and highlighted a constituent's story of career-ending investigation by the Royal Military Police, affecting his housing, employment, health, and family life. She asked when eligible veterans can expect to receive their payments.

Acknowledges the pain and humiliation experienced by LGBT individuals due to past military policies on homosexuality, apologises unreservedly as a party in government for much of that period, emphasising values of freedom and patriotism applicable to all parts of society. Acknowledging the importance of Lord Etherton's report, welcoming the £75 million financial package announced by the Government to provide redress, highlighting significant progress made under previous governments to improve the experience of LGBT personnel.

Welcomes the Government’s commitment to raising compensation funds for veterans such as Victoria who was dismissed due to her sexuality and subjected to imprisonment, mistreatment, and PTSD. Supports the announcement, highlighting its importance in completing the work started by the Conservative government.

Welcomes the debate, acknowledges the work of the Defence Secretary and Veterans Minister in collaborating with LGBT veterans' charities. Emphasises that thousands of servicemen and women suffered due to their sexuality over many decades. Mentions a constituent who felt shame after being discharged by the RAF despite exemplary service. Supports the financial recognition scheme and the 50% increase in funding. Raises concerns about clarity on estimates for number of applicants, average payments, hard cap compensation limits, and two-year application cap.

Emphasises the importance of Members being present during opening statements of any debate. Expresses disappointment with a Liberal Democrat speaker addressing colleagues by name in the House.

Discusses the ongoing fight for dignity, recognition, and fairness for LGBT+ veterans who faced injustice due to discriminatory policies. Mentions that thousands of personnel were dismissed between 1967 and 2000 simply because of their sexuality. Shares harrowing examples from constituents to illustrate enduring trauma caused by these policies.

Acknowledges the Secretary of State's understanding of LGBT veterans' pain but emphasises that financial compensation is only a step towards addressing a greater injustice. Discusses Lord Etherton’s independent report which highlights the importance of achieving closure for these veterans. The debate also addresses issues such as legal advice, mental and physical health damage, and loss of pride due to discriminatory practices. She shares her constituent's personal experience who was subjected to severe mistreatment including interrogation, detention in strip cells, denial of family contact, and public humiliation leading to long-term psychological trauma. Despite the difficulties faced by this individual over three decades, he managed to rebuild his life through education.

No specific contribution listed but indicated a point in time for further proceedings.

Provided procedural updates, announcing that the subsequent debate will not proceed to allow this one full coverage until 5 o'clock.

Discusses the historical context of attitudes towards LGBT individuals in the military through the example of SAS commander Blair Mayne, who was overlooked for a Victoria Cross due to his sexuality. Acknowledges current efforts by the Government to address wrongs committed against living veterans but expresses concern about the speed and efficiency of these processes, drawing parallels with issues encountered during the implementation of the Post Office Horizon compensation system.

The policy of banning LGBT people from serving in the armed forces was a shameful chapter in UK history, causing immense harm to veterans like Chris who were dishonourably discharged despite their exemplary service. The Government's decision to lift the ban after 33 years is welcomed, but it is crucial that affected veterans receive not just financial compensation up to £70,000 but also have their ranks restored and discharge reasons amended to reflect honourable service.

Veterans who suffered from the ban on LGBT+ personnel faced severe trauma including brutal rape and assault. It is important that compensation takes into account the severity of their cases to provide a small recompense for the vast horrors they endured.

LGBT+ veterans like Stephen Purves were deeply wronged by being forced out of service, losing jobs and pensions, facing stigma, isolation and social exclusion. While the increased compensation announced is a step forward, it may not be sufficient for someone who lost their career and liberty, went bankrupt and suffers to this day from mental health repercussions.

My constituent Robert was forced out of the RAF in the 1980s due to being gay, facing a long shadow over his life. The Government's announcement towards justice is important but must ensure that affected veterans like Robert receive meaningful compensation and acknowledgment for their service despite past injustices.

Ms Blackman expressed her disappointment about the compensation scheme for LGBT veterans, noting that while it acknowledges past wrongs, it does not adequately address them. She raised several questions regarding the scheme's specifics, including the criteria for flat payments of £50,000 and the eligibility for additional hardships. She also inquired about a review after one year to ensure the scheme is operating smoothly and whether overseas veterans can apply. Additionally, she called for assurances that charitable support would cover all regions and provide timely assistance. Ms Blackman emphasised the impact on veterans' sense of self and their dreams, highlighting personal stories and the need for compensation to be more than a symbolic gesture.

Ms Slade intervened in support of Ms Blackman's points, emphasising that the loss experienced by LGBT veterans extends beyond job or pension to include shared values and community. She also discussed cases where fellow service members betrayed each other to avoid discharge.

Welcomes the Secretary of State’s announcement on additional compensation for LGBT veterans but emphasises it is too little, too late. Shares the story of Gunner Ashton who was dismissed from the services due to being gay and the injustice they faced. Highlights the long-term impact on career and mental health. Praises Claire Ashton's courage in seeking recognition through Fighting With Pride and her journey to receiving a veteran identity card and badge. Emphasises the need for dignity, respect, and support for veterans and serving personnel to ensure inclusivity and value.

Describes powerful stories of pain and injustice faced by LGBTQ+ service personnel under the gay ban. Highlights that homosexuality was a criminal offence in the armed forces until 2000, leading to many being removed or forced from service with serious consequences. Advocates for full compensation beyond £50 million as suggested by Lord Etherton’s review and the Royal British Legion. Discusses potential unknown cases of those who resigned due to fear of discovery and calls for wider recognition of harm suffered.

The speaker thanked the Secretary of State and Minister for Veterans and People for their understanding of this issue. He emphasised the national shame in letting down LGBT veterans who have suffered immensely due to discriminatory policies, praising the Government’s actions regarding financial arrangements but questioning whether a cap on compensation is sufficient given the level of trauma experienced by these individuals. The speaker also paid tribute to campaigners like Craig Jones and Carl Austin-Behan for their efforts in raising awareness.

The speaker, a retired RAF police officer, expressed his movement by stories of discriminatory actions taken by the RAF police. He noted that while an apology was made for these incidents, the debate highlights the ongoing need to address similar issues faced by veterans who were discriminated against due to their sexual orientation or HIV status.

The speaker reminded other Members not to refer to serving Members of the House by name, instead referring to them as 'the right hon. Member for Richmond and Northallerton.'

The speaker highlighted the importance of compensating veterans who were discriminated against due to their sexual orientation or HIV status, emphasising that respect is about deeds as well as words. He drew attention to the ban on people living with HIV joining the military and the ongoing challenges faced by those affected, urging for further investigation and commitment from the Government.

I am pleased to speak in this debate as a co-chair of LGBT+ Labour, highlighting the historical discrimination against LGBT veterans. I emphasise that the ban on LGBT people serving in the military led to broken relationships, poor mental health issues, and marginalisation for many individuals. The former MP Eddie Loyden argued against the status quo, asserting that LGBT soldiers would serve their country equally well if war were to break out today. Since 2000, when the law was changed, it has been proven that LGBT people can serve with distinction in the military. I welcome Lord Etherton’s report and the financial redress being made available to veterans who suffered due to this policy.

I share a story of my constituent, Professor Andrew Hartle, an LGBT veteran whose career was marked by excellence but also discrimination. He faced being ostracised from the RAF when he was outed in 1996 and forced to resign due to prejudiced accusations. Despite this, he rebuilt his life and became a trailblazer in anaesthetics. However, many other veterans were not as fortunate. I welcome the Government's steps towards providing redress for these wrongs, focusing on simplicity and speed of payment, ensuring that reparations will be ringfenced to avoid impacting tax or benefits access. This is an important step forward.

I draw the House’s attention to my declaration in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests. I am humbled by the testimonies that have been shared by my friends on both sides of the Chamber, but I was particularly moved by my hon. Friend the Member for Shrewsbury (Julia Buckley). The testimonies that have been shared show us how ashamed we should be that our country treated so many people so badly for so long. Make no mistake: we have had LGBT people in our armed services for as long as we have had armed services, and I am proud to call many of them my close friends. They have shared their harrowing stories with me, but what always shines through is their loyalty to their service and their country. Today’s debate makes me proud to be a Labour MP. I remember the Labour Government lifting the ban on LGBT soldiers in 2000. I celebrated that with my friends. Labour argued for the Etherton review, and I thank Lord Etherton for his work. Now, as a Labour MP, I welcome the recommendations. I will fight for every LGBT veteran to get the compensation that they deserve.

I welcome Lord Etherton’s review and thank all the organisations and campaign groups that contributed to it, including Fighting With Pride. As my hon. Friend the Member for Shrewsbury (Julia Buckley) rightly said, this is welcome, but it is so late. I also place on the record my thanks to my constituents in Suffolk Coastal who raised the issue with me directly and have worked for years to support their former military colleagues who have suffered at the hands of this abhorrent and humiliating practice. The Etherton review has exposed harrowing stories of members of the armed forces and how they were treated by the very institution they were prepared to give their life for. In 2002, I attended Welbeck military college. After I left, I joined the Territorial Army, serving in the Royal Logistics Corps. This was just a few short years after the ban was lifted, but the shadow of the policy was still evident. Serving personnel were terrified of being found out, still living their lives in the shadows. At college, I had teachers and physical training instructors who had lived with and lived through the ban, having been personally affected by the homophobic policies or having seen at first hand how friends and serving colleagues had been bullied out of the Army and lived their lives in the shadows. The impact of this abhorrent practice cannot be overstated. The lifelong scar it has had on so many who gave so much to our nation is a stain on our military history and more widely on our society. I urge the Government to make sure that the payments are made quickly and without delay.

It is a privilege to participate in this important debate and to hear many moving accounts from both sides of the House. My constituency plays a crucial role in our nation’s defence, ranking seventh in the UK for the veteran population. I am grateful to the Secretary of State for today’s statement, and to Lord Etherton for his crucial work on this topic. The visit was an important demonstration of Labour’s commitment to our armed forces and our veteran community. Today, we reflect on a deeply regrettable chapter in our history. As a result, LGBT individuals—or those perceived to be—could be dismissed or forced to leave the military, robbing them of careers, livelihoods and dignity. I welcome the Government’s announcement of support for our veterans. It is a historic step towards righting these wrongs. By increasing the funding—and, in fact, exceeding that recommended by the review—for the LGBT financial recognition scheme, the Government continue to show an unwavering commitment to supporting our veterans.

Welcomes the announcement, commends both previous and current Governments for bringing forward reparations. Emphasises the need for swift delivery of compensation to avoid prolonging veterans' suffering. Shares a personal story about his constituent Janice MacIver who was unjustly discharged from the British Army in 1994 due to her sexual orientation. Acknowledges the resilience shown by affected individuals and hopes that proper acknowledgment will repair past damages.

Pays tribute to speeches made during the debate, highlighting cases of trauma experienced by LGBT service personnel due to discriminatory practices. Acknowledges the importance of quick compensation and proper acknowledgment of past wrongs. Expresses hope for a future without stigma in the armed forces regarding HIV status and calls for learning from historical injustices to ensure dignified treatment for all military personnel.

The Minister of State for Defence apologised on behalf of the Ministry of Defence for mistreating LGBT personnel between 1967 and 2000. He announced an increased financial recognition scheme by 50%, including payments to those dismissed or discharged due to their sexual orientation or gender identity, as well as those impacted more broadly by the ban. The Minister also highlighted that Lord Etherton’s report will address two further recommendations, leaving seven outstanding tasks. He emphasised that no amount of money could fully undo the hurt caused but hoped it would bring affirmation and closure for affected individuals.