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MoD hides LGBT scheme, 1,000 vets miss £70K.

6/23/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Advocates claim the Ministry of Defence has not publicised the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme, leaving over 1,000 veterans at risk of missing the £70,000 deadline.
The scheme, launched in 2024, offers up to £70,000 to service members dismissed between 27 July 1967 and 11 January 2000.
Peter Gibson said the MoD is not using its resources to reach eligible veterans, noting former RAF airman Karen Usher’s experience of forced secrecy.

History

Historical Context

After Stonewall’s legal challenge reached the European Court of Human Rights in 1999, the Labour government lifted the ban on openly gay service members on 12 January 2000, a move announced by Prime Minister Tony Blair. Subsequent diversity programmes and a 2023 government apology cemented the change, while today the MOD faces criticism over a 2024 veterans-recognition scheme.

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Story summary

Advocates claim the Ministry of Defence has not publicised the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme, leaving over 1,000 veterans at risk of missing the £70,000 deadline.
The scheme, launched in 2024, offers up to £70,000 to service members dismissed between 27 July 1967 and 11 January 2000.
Peter Gibson said the MoD is not using its resources to reach eligible veterans, noting former RAF airman Karen Usher’s experience of forced secrecy.

1 / 2