Former Veterans minister Johnny Mercer has called on Boris Johnson to say sorry to armed forces LGBT+ vets jailed or dismissed for their sexuality.
Mr Mercer told the Sunday Mirror: “It’s the least the PM can do for the pain they have suffered.
“Our armed forces are now the best in the world for LGBT inclusion but that was not always the case.
“A national apology and compensation will go some way to repairing the damage done to so many lives.”
Up to 20,000 LGBT armed services personnel were drummed out of careers they loved until the services gay ban was lifted in 2000 following a ruling by the European Court of Human Rights.
Some men were jailed, or forced to undergo shaming rituals by having medals ripped from their uniforms.
Now the Cabinet Office has ordered an independent review of their treatment in a victory for the Sunday Mirror’s campaign alongside support charity Fighting With Pride.
Home Secretary Priti Patel has already offered LGBT vets pardons and the inquiry will now consider whether they should be compensated for loss of earnings and pensions.
Former Army lieutenant Elaine Chambers, 61, of the Isle of Wight, said: “Veterans remain angry and distrustful of those in power after the appalling way we were treated.
“I am looking for reparation to offset the decades of financial hardship I have faced as a result of losing the career I loved.”
Former Navy medic Chris Ferguson, 60, from Edinburgh, added: “The Navy was everything to me - my life and my family.
“When I was dismissed for being gay I ended up homeless. Compensation would help towards healing that trauma and pain.”
Labour MP Dan Carden said: “This review is a vital first step in uncovering the true extent of the hurt and distress caused.
“It must lead to full reparations and compensation to right these historic wrongs.”
Fighting With Pride joint CEOs Craig Jones and Caroline Paige added: “FWP looks forward to working with Government to achieve an honourable outcome for LGBT+ veterans.”
The chair of the inquiry is yet to be named but vets will be invited to appear before it.
Equalities minister Mike Freer said: “Listening to those veterans affected by the ban will be critical to moving forward.”
LGBT+ vets can contact FWP at fightingwithpride.org.uk
