Hunt launched for 1,000 'missing' veterans before MOD compensation scheme closes
One thousand veterans are yet to apply to a Ministry of Defence compensation scheme which is set to close in December 2026, according to a leading military charity.
Fighting with Pride, established to support LGBT veterans impacted by the ban on homosexuality, says the missing veterans either don't know about the scheme, or are too traumatised to revisit their experiences of military service, risking missing out on payments worth up to £70,000.
It was illegal to be gay and serve in Britain's Armed Forces up to the year 2000; the MOD's compensation scheme, officially known as the Financial Recognition Scheme (FRS), was announced by the government in December 2024 – opening for applications on a strict two-year basis.
Speaking to BFBS Forces News, Peter Gibson, Fighting with Pride's chief executive, accused the MOD of not publicising the scheme enough.
"The MOD has the entire armoury of government; they know where every veteran in this country is by pensions, the veteran's railcard and ID card, and they are not doing enough to promote the scheme."
Because of this, the charity says it has launched a campaign named the Battle for Lost Veterans – aimed at publicising the FRS to as many veterans as possible.
"There are many different people in our community. We represent a range of people who have a range of experiences", Mr Gibson said.
"This is not just people who were dismissed [from the military], this is people who served under the ban and lived in fear; who were perhaps bullied or discriminated against whilst in service. They are eligible for aspects of the scheme too.
"We also know that there are people who never came out whilst in service, and left service. But they too are eligible for this scheme – and form part of our community."
In 2023, a judge-led inquiry into the historic treatment of LGBT people in Britain's Armed Forces made 49 recommendations, including a prime ministerial apology and the building of a permanent memorial to LGBT people who have served in the military.
The introduction of a compensation scheme, which can award veterans two payments totalling up to £70,000, has faced frequent criticism and is currently the subject of a judicial review over eligibility rules, which some veterans say are unfair.
Fighting with Pride is calling on people, gay and straight, to consider if they might know a fellow veteran who could be entitled to payouts from the FRS. The charity says information, including how to find support, can be found on their website.
In a statement, an MOD spokesperson said: "We deeply regret the treatment of LGBT serving personnel between 1967 and 2000 which was wholly unacceptable and is not representative of defence today.
"We are committed to righting these wrongs through tangible actions, including through the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme and Non-Financial Restorative Measures for those affected.
"We are working hard to make sure eligible veterans know these schemes are available to them, through collaborating with local councils, the NHS, and other organisations and charities."
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