Historical LGBT ban in Armed Forces 'was an appalling stain on all of us', defence minister says

The way LGBT+ people were treated by the Armed Forces prior to the ban on their service being lifted in 2000 "was an appalling stain on all of us", defence minister Dr Andrew Murrison has said.

The Minister for Defence People's comments came as shadow defence minister Rachel Hopkins called on the Prime Minister to apologise "for this historic injustice".

Until the year 2000, no-one could be openly gay in the British military and, if someone was found out, they risked dismissal, disgrace and, in many cases, financial ruin.

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An independent review began a year ago to provide the opportunity for the Government to better understand the lived experience of LGBT veterans, who served prior to 2000, including how being discharged from the military because of their sexuality affected their life.

The findings of the report, chaired by Lord Etherton, are now with the Government and, according to Dr Murrison, will be published "very soon indeed".

Speaking during Commons Defence questions, Rachel Hopkins said: "The loss of livelihoods and long-term suffering endured by LGBT+ veterans as a result of this cruel and unjust policy has been immense.

"I'm pleased that there is such cross-party agreement about the publication of this report being so important to those who have experienced such injustice, so 18 months on there is still no report yet and no Government apology.

"So will the minister confirm to the House specifically when the report will be published in full, with all testimony and when we can expect an apology from the Prime Minister for this historic injustice?"

Dr Murrison replied: "It is this Government that set up this review, 1967 to 2000 this was going on.

"It was an appalling stain on all of us and I'm really pleased that this Government at long last has gripped this.

"I'm afraid she's going to have to be a little bit more patient, but I suspect we will be publishing this report and the response very soon indeed."

North Wiltshire Conservative MP James Gray urged the Government to "accept both the apology which it (the report) calls for and the financial compensation which they (veterans) deserve".

He said: "One group of veterans to whom a gross injustice was done many years ago now was the LGBT community who until the year (2001) were court-martialled, shamed and dismissed and that shame is still with them until today, it hasn't yet been corrected.

"Will the Government now undertake to produce that report, will it undertake to have an oral statement in this House to discuss it and, above all, will (they) accept both the apology which it calls for and the financial compensation which they deserve?"

Dr Murrison replied: "I suspect I shall be asked the same question this Saturday when I attend London Pride. The Etherton report has been delivered."

He said it contained "a number of recommendations which at the moment we are working through".

"When we respond it'll be a proper response and I hope will satisfy him." he added.

A report released at the beginning of June shone a light on the lifelong impact of the 'gay ban' in the Armed Forces.

The study carried out by Northumbria University, found that many of the LGBT+ people who were dismissed from the military for their sexual orientation are suffering from long-term mental health problems.