By: Paul Goldberg, Senior Editor | JRL CHARTS LGBT Politics Europe
LONDON — (July 10, 2025) — The UK government has pledged to accelerate financial redress payments for LGBT veterans who were historically abused and discharged from the armed forces due to their sexuality.
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The move comes amid criticism over delays in processing claims from survivors who endured mistreatment between 1967 and 2000, including dishonourable discharges, loss of pay, assault, and lifelong trauma.
Under a £75 million redress scheme launched in December, eligible veterans can receive payments of up to £70,000 as formal acknowledgment of the harm they suffered.
Minister Carns Responds to Parliament Pressure
Veterans Minister Al Carns announced that his office will:
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Double the redress processing staff by hiring 5 additional caseworkers
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Launch a new automated payment system to reduce delays
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Expand the independent review panel’s workload to two sittings per week
“We deeply regret the treatment of LGBT serving personnel between 1967 and 2000, which was wholly unacceptable,” Carns told MPs.
“We are prioritising the elderly and those with health conditions to ensure support reaches them swiftly.”
A Historic Reckoning — Still in Progress
While praised for finally acknowledging institutional discrimination, critics argue the UK must move faster. Dozens of aging LGBT veterans are still awaiting closure and compensation — nearly 25 years after discriminatory policies were lifted.
Stay with JRL CHARTS LGBT Politics Europe for breaking developments on international LGBTQ military justice, policy reforms, and redress news.
