Massive frustration at delays to LGBT reparations for veterans criminalised by military

The chief executive of a charity has hit out at delays to a Government-run compensation scheme designed to award payments to LGBT people who served in the Armed Forces up to the year 2000.

Peter Gibson, who recently took over as the boss of Fighting With Pride, said that veterans were frustrated that although a scheme was in place, there was a "delay to payments" being made.

In response to the criticism, which has included interventions in both the House of Commons and Lords, the MOD has announced it will increase the number of staff employed to work on processing payments, a move welcomed by veterans.

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Speaking exclusively to BFBS Forces News, Mr Gibson said he was pleased to see that action taken by veterans and Fighting With Pride has "delivered a response by MOD."

"There's massive frustration that after all these decades of campaigning, work, delays and justice denied to these veterans, that suddenly we’ve got the scheme in place but there's a delay to these payments.

"That's causing massive frustration."

The MOD also announced that it was rolling out a "new automated payment system" which it says will "eliminate processing delays and administrative bottlenecks."

Mr Gibson said he had met Veterans Minister Al Carns earlier this week, and that he recognised that the former Royal Marine was himself "clearly frustrated at the speed at which this is taking".

Mr Gibson added: "I think the fact we got this statement from the MOD late last night is a sign of him delivering on the promises and guarantees he gave yesterday.

"I'm taking the man at his word, and I want to give him my trust.

"We need to see those payments. It's all very well making promises and guarantees, but we will see what happens in the coming weeks as those payments start to hopefully accelerate."

Financial reparations for those discharged from the Armed Forces under laws banning LGBT people from military service were announced in December 2024.

Those discharged or made to leave the Armed Forces under the rules will be paid £50,000.

Veterans Minister Al Carns said: "We deeply regret the treatment of LGBT serving personnel between 1967 and 2000, which was wholly unacceptable. 

"We have been prioritising payments to the elderly and those with serious health conditions to ensure they receive support as quickly as possible.

"We're taking decisive action to ensure LGBT veterans receive the recognition they deserve by increasing staff resources, implementing an automated payment system, and doubling panel reviews. "

He went on: "This scheme acknowledges the sacrifices of those who faced discrimination while serving.

"I urge all affected veterans to apply through the Gov.uk portal as we remain fully committed to implementing Lord Etherton's recommendations, and righting these historic wrongs, as part of our Government's commitment to renew the nation's contract with those who have served."

Find out more information on the LGBT veterans' financial recognition scheme here.