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UK Launches £70k Compensation Scheme for LGBT Veterans Expelled Under Discriminatory Ban. Thousands of LGBT veterans dismissed from the UK military due to their sexual orientation or gender identity between 1967 and 2000 can now claim up to £70,000 in compensation, Sky News reports. Defence Secretary John Healey described the treatment of LGBT personnel as a "moral stain on our nation" and vowed to right the injustices of the past. Eligible veterans can apply for a base payout of £50,000 under the new LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme starting Friday. Veterans who suffered harassment, imprisonment, or other ill-treatment due to their identity may claim an additional £20,000 on top of the base compensation. Affected individuals can also request their rank to be restored and the reason for their discharge to be amended, addressing long-standing records of discrimination. The UK government has allocated £75 million for the scheme, exceeding initial recommendations by 50%, in an effort to fully address the "historic wrongs." The ban, which lasted until 2000, led to dismissals, discharges, and severe mistreatment, including imprisonment, of LGBT personnel across the armed forces. While the exact number of impacted veterans remains unclear, government estimates suggest fewer than 4,000 people may be eligible, though not all may apply. Veterans Minister Alistair Carns affirmed the government's commitment to welcoming LGBT veterans back into the defence community and recognizing their contributions. The scheme is part of a broader effort to implement recommendations from the Etherton Review, which sought to correct the harm inflicted on LGBT personnel during the ban.
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