Service leaders apologise for 'lack of humanity and compassion' shown to LGBT+ veterans

The leaders of all three branches of the UK Armed Forces have apologised to LGBTQ+ veterans for the "unacceptable" treatment they received from the military authorities.

In a joint statement, the leaders of the British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force said the LGBTQ+ personnel were treated with "a lack of humanity and compassion", and said they welcomed the independent report completed by Lord Etherton.

"We are grateful to Lord Etherton and his team, and we applaud the courage of those who came forward to tell their story," the statement said.

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"This report lays bare the appalling experience that many LGBT service personnel received in the Armed Forces, the far-reaching personal consequences and pain that some of our veterans experienced.

"This regrettable treatment does not represent what defence stands for today."

Teh joint statement went on: "We would also like to thank our LGBT veterans for their service.

"Like all those in uniform, they were ready to lay down their lives for their country.

"That is an extraordinary commitment, and the nation owes them our respect and esteem."

The statement comes after the Prime Minister apologised for the "horrific" historical treatment of LGBT people who served in the Armed Forces.

Rishi Sunak told the Commons: "The ban on LGBT people serving in our military until the year 2000 was an appalling failure of the British state decades behind the law of this land.

"As today's report makes clear, in that period, many endured the most horrific sexual abuse and violence, homophobic bullying and harassment, all while bravely serving this country.

"Today, on behalf of the British state, I apologise."

The Defence Secretary also apologised, telling MPs he "was struck by one particular quote in the report from a veteran who said 'I don't feel like I'm a veteran, I've never asked for help, I don't feel like my service was recognised’".

"Today we want to say to all those ex-soldiers, sailors and aviators, many now in retirement, you are one of us, you belong in our community and in choosing to put yourself in harm's way for the good of your colleagues, your community and country, you have proven yourselves the best of us," Ben Wallace said.

"I say again to the veterans' community, I'm deeply sorry for what happened to you. The very tolerance and values of Western democracy that we expected you to fight for, we denied to you, it was profoundly wrong."