Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

LGBT Veterans

Monday 14 October 2024 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Chris Ward inquired about the progress on implementing the recommendations of the LGBT veterans independent review.
  • The Minister acknowledged that 32 out of 49 recommendations have been met so far.
  • The Minister agreed to meet Chris Ward and representatives from Fighting With Pride to discuss the financial redress scheme.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Chris Ward Lab Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven
Women & Equalities Veterans
Context

LGBT veterans have faced significant injustice, including bans on service based on sexual orientation until 2000. The Etherton review made several recommendations to address these issues.

Question

What progress has been made on implementing the recommendations of the LGBT veterans independent review?

Answer from Alistair Carns

It is with great pride that I stand behind this Dispatch Box to represent veterans, serving personnel, and their families. The treatment of LGBT veterans was unacceptable, and the Etherton review recommendations are being addressed. We have met 32 of the 49 recommendations and will meet those on financial redress by the end of this year with a launch in January next year.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific amount for compensation and concerns regarding the £50 million cap were not addressed.

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Q2 Chris Ward Lab Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven
Women & Equalities Veterans
Context

The Etherton review recommended financial redress for LGBT veterans who faced injustice due to the ban on service based on sexual orientation. Concerns have been raised about the £50 million cap, which might result in low average payments per veteran.

Question

LGBT veterans have suffered from unacceptable policies and injustices. I welcome the update but there is concern about recommendation 28's financial redress and compensation due to the £50 million cap leading to low payments. Will the Minister meet me and Fighting With Pride to discuss fair and swift compensation?

Answer from Alistair Carns

I have met Fighting With Pride and Lord Etherton, and will meet them again. I also agree to meet my hon. Friend to talk through the detail of financial redress. Defence is working with experts across Government to establish an appropriate scheme that will launch this year.

Answered
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