LGBT Veterans

Chris Ward, the Labour MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, asked the Minister for Veterans and People, Al Carns, about the progress made in implementing the recommendations of the LGBT veterans independent review. In his response, the Minister expressed pride in representing veterans, serving personnel, and their families and dependants. He acknowledged the unacceptable treatment of LGBT veterans, which was addressed by the Etherton review. The Minister stated that the government has met 32 of the 49 recommendations and will meet the recommendations on the financial redress scheme by the end of this year, with a launch in January 2024. Chris Ward welcomed the update from the Minister but raised concerns about recommendation 28 on financial redress and compensation. He noted that the report caps compensation at £50 million, which could result in an average payment of only £12,500 per veteran. The former Prime Minister, now the Leader of the Opposition, had previously described the ban as "an appalling failure of the British state." The MP asked the Minister to meet with him and Fighting With Pride to discuss how to ensure fair and swift compensation for the affected veterans. In response, the Minister acknowledged the significant number of affected constituents in Chris Ward's constituency. He confirmed that he had met with Fighting With Pride and Lord Etherton the previous week and would meet with them again, as well as the MP, to discuss the details of the financial redress scheme. The Minister stated that the Ministry of Defence is working with experts across the government to establish an appropriate financial redress scheme, which will launch this year, and he promised to update the House in due course.