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  "description": "One year ago, the Ministry of Defence opened the Financial Recognition Scheme. This was a vital component of our response to the Etherton Review and our commitment to right historical wrongs against LGBT+ veterans who served their country with honour but faced discrimination under outdated policies. \n\nSince launching the Scheme on 13 December 2024, we have made significant progress. Over 1,300 applications have been received, with 1089 decisions already made, awarding more than £35 million in to",
  "path": "/louise-sandher-jones-mp-weve-awarded-35m-to-dismissed-lgbt-veterans-in-one-year-please-keep-coming-forward/",
  "publishedAt": "2026-04-03T13:14:41.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.scenemag.co.uk",
  "tags": [
    "Veterans of the LGBT Ban: apply for non-financial restorative measuresGOV.UKMinistry of Defence",
    "LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme guide: How to apply for a Financial Recognition PaymentGOV.UKMinistry of Defence"
  ],
  "textContent": "One year ago, the **Ministry of Defence** opened the **Financial Recognition Scheme**. This was a vital component of our response to the Etherton Review and our commitment to right historical wrongs against LGBT+ veterans who served their country with honour but faced discrimination under outdated policies.\n\nSince launching the Scheme on 13 December 2024, we have made significant progress. Over 1,300 applications have been received, with 1089 decisions already made, awarding more than £35 million in total to those who suffered injustice. Each application represents a veteran who deserves our recognition, and each decision is handled with the care and attention their service merits.\n\nLast year also saw profound moments of national recognition. The unveiling of the **LGBT+ Veterans Memorial** marked a historic milestone – a permanent tribute to those who served whilst facing persecution.\n\n> “Defence is fully committed to implementing all 49 recommendations from the late Lord Etherton’s report”\n\nI was deeply honoured to attend the unveiling of the UK’s first memorial dedicated to LGBT+ Armed Forces personnel alongside **HM King Charles** III. The memorial recognises a dark period in our past – when LGBT+ service members were banned from serving between 1967 and 2000 – and represents an important moment of acknowledgement and healing. It ensures that the experiences, courage and service of our LGBT+ veterans remain permanently honoured.\n\nThe memorial also represents our commitment to current and future LGBTQ+ service personnel: your sacrifice and dedication in protecting our nation, both at home and overseas, are deeply valued. We remain determined to foster an inclusive environment where all LGBTQ+ personnel receive the honour, respect and dignity they are entitled to.\n\nDefence is fully committed to implementing all 49 recommendations from the late Lord Etherton’s report, including the Financial Recognition Scheme, to ensure justice for those who were affected.\n\n> “To any veteran reading this: you served your country with distinction, and you deserve recognition. Please come forward”\n\nI want to be candid about the challenges we have faced with the Financial Recognition Scheme. Processing applications takes time because we are committed to getting every decision right. I understand the frustration expressed by veterans and organisations like Fighting with Pride, who rightly champion those affected. Their advocacy is important, and we are listening.\n\nReaching to as many eligible veterans remains our most significant challenge. We are working to connect with the community – individuals who may have understandable reasons to be cautious about engaging with Defence communications. Many carry the weight of past mistreatment and rebuilding that trust takes consistent effort across multiple channels, from traditional media to working closely with veteran organisations, NHS partners, and veteran employers. Due to the length of time that has passed since the Ban was lifted, and differences in record keeping at the time, Defence has no comprehensive way of identifying those impacted by the Ban. It is also important that applications are made through a standardised process to ensure fair and equal opportunity to all that apply.\n\nThe Financial Recognition Scheme closes at 23:59 on 12 December 2026. Between now and then, my priority continues to be ensuring that as many eligible veterans knows about this opportunity and feels supported in coming forward. We owe them nothing less than our sustained commitment to delivering the justice Lord Etherton’s review envisioned.\n\nTo any veteran reading this: you served your country with distinction, and you deserve recognition. Please come forward.\n\n## The Etherton Review\n\nIn recognition of the impact of historic law prohibiting same-sex sexual activity, and the policy prohibiting LGBT Service personnel from serving in HM Armed Forces, the Government has introduced processes to enable those affected to apply for restorative measures.\n\nIn 2022, the Government commissioned an independent review to better understand the impacts and implications of the policy that homosexuality was incompatible with life in HM Armed Forces between 1967 and 2000.\n\nThe Independent Review was published on 19 July 2023 and the Government published its formal response on 13 December 2023.\n\nOn 12 December 2024, the Government announced the extension of certain restorative measures for those who served prior to 1967, whose Service was impacted by former law criminalising same-sex sexual activity:\n\n  * qualification of administrative discharge\n  * restoration of rank\n  * replacement discharge papers\n  * publication of former officers’ service details in The Gazette\n\n\n\n### Call to Action\n\nIn response to the Etherton Review, the UK Government has introduced two schemes to address the harm caused by the ban.\n\nThe **Non-Financial Restorative Measures Scheme** allows eligible veterans to apply for a range of measures, which include:\n\n  * A formal written apology from the Armed Forces.\n  * Correction of service records to remove wrongful references to sexuality.\n  * Restoration of rank or commission.\n  * Return or re-issue of medals.\n\nVeterans of the LGBT Ban: apply for non-financial restorative measuresGOV.UKMinistry of Defence\n\nThe **LGBT+ Financial Recognition Scheme** provides:\n\n**Dismissed or Discharged Payment (£50,000)** : For veterans dismissed or discharged, due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.\n\n**Impact Payment (£1,000-£20,000)** : Recognising harm such as harassment, humiliation, or career impact.\n\nEligible veterans may receive a maximum of £70K.\n\n**These payments are tax-exempt and will not affect means-tested benefits.**\n\n**Both Schemes will close 23:59 on 12 December 2026 and no new application will be accepted after this date.**\n\nVeterans can apply online and check their eligibility via the Defence Gateway or by post through Veterans UK. Support is available from Fighting with Pride and The Royal British Legion.\n\nLGBT Financial Recognition Scheme guide: How to apply for a Financial Recognition PaymentGOV.UKMinistry of Defence\n\nVisit GOV.UK for more information. This is an opportunity to honour the contributions of LGBT+ veterans and ensure their stories are never forgotten.",
  "title": "Louise Sandher-Jones MP: ‘We’ve awarded £35m to dismissed LGBT+ veterans in one year – please keep coming forward’",
  "updatedAt": "2026-04-03T13:15:09.536Z"
}