Letter from the Secretary of State for Defence - LGBT Restorative Action

THE RT HON WES STREETING MP

Secretary of State

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

FLOOR 5, MAIN BUILDING

WHITEHALL, LONDON SW1A 2HB

Tel: 020 7218 9000 (switchboard)

16 September 2026

As you may be aware, between 1967 and 2000, the Ministry of Defence upheld

policy which prohibited LGBT personnel from serving in HM Armed Forces. ‘The

Ban’ not only led to LGBT personnel having their careers cut short through no fault of

their own but also led to inexcusable experiences including harassment, invasive

investigations, physical or sexual assaults and imprisonment. The Government and

HM Armed Forces have apologised for the historic policy and its implementation, and

Defence have been providing recognition to those affected through the Financial

Recognition Scheme and the Non-Financial Restorative Measures Scheme.

Veterans are able to apply for payments of up to £70,000 through the Financial

Recognition Scheme, depending on their experiences, and all veterans affected by

the Ban can apply for restorative measures including the return of their beret, the

removal of dishonour from administrative discharges and a service ceremony in

which restorative measures are presented to them through the Non-Financial

Restorative Measures Scheme.

Over 1,700 veterans have applied for Financial Recognition to date and Defence is

committed to continuing to ensure it does all it can to reach as many eligible

veterans as possible before the Schemes close on 12 December 2026.

Defence needs your help.

LGBT veterans can be incredibly difficult to identify and reach because many do not

consider themselves veterans and do not engage with Defence or Armed Forces

communications channels, and some do not engage with LGBT+ organisations

either.

Recognising this, Defence have launched a ‘final call’ communications push which

focuses heavily on working with partners who have physical and digital spaces that

people aged 40 and over have access to. Partners and allies are asked to download

the ‘Ally Pack’ from the www.GOV.UK/affected-by-the-ban website and use any of

the assets that are suited to their spaces. Assets include posters, leaflets, social media assets, suggested copy for newsletters and much more.

I am reaching out to you to ask you to urge your councils and public spaces such as libraries and leisure centres in your constituency to download these assets and display them in appropriate spaces to help reach these valued veterans.

If you have any questions, please contact the team at: LGBT-restorativeaction@mod.gov.uk

Time is running out and these veterans deserve recognition.

Thank you in advance for your support on this important issue.

Yours sincerely,

THE RT HON WES STREETING MP

Secretary of State for Defence