Labour big guns join campaign for compensation for LGBT+ armed forces veterans

Labour big guns have joined the Sunday Mirror campaign to get compensation for armed forces LGBT+ veterans.

Up to 20,000 of them were jailed or dismissed for their sexuality before the gay ban in the military was lifted in 2000.

Ministers have ordered a review into the financial hardship they have suffered since because of loss of earnings and pensions.

Now Labour equalities boss Anneliese Dodds and shadow veterans minister Stephanie Peacock have weighed in to demand the inquiry looks at paying compensation.

Ms Dodds said: “I pay tribute to the Sunday Mirror for its tireless campaign to win justice for LGBT+ veterans.

“These men and women put their lives at risk to protect our country, yet suffered a serious injustice for simply being themselves.

“The Government’s review must finally right this wrong and consider how everyone affected receives the compensation they deserve.”

Shadow Veterans Minister Stephanie Peacock also demanded an inquiry looks into paying compensation (Handout)

And Ms Peacock added: “This could be a real chance to bring justice to those impacted by the gay ban but ministers must get this right.”

The pair are disturbed that so far the inquiry has been given no terms of reference or even been given someone to chair it.

And ministers have yet to say whether the issue of compensation will be on the table.

So Ms Dodds and Ms Peacock have written to Equalities minister Mike Freer and Veterans minister Leo Docherty demanding they get a move on.

The Labour MPs said: “The loss of livelihoods and the long-term suffering these veterans endured is immense.”

The Sunday Mirror has teamed up with LGBT+ veterans charity Fighting With Pride and ex-Veterans minister Johnny Mercer has also joined our campaign.

Former Lieut-Commander Craig Jones of FWP said: “Canada has already compensated its LGBT+ veterans and the UK must follow suit.”

A government spokesperson said: "We are committed to learning from the experiences of LGBT veterans who were affected by the pre-2000 ban.

"That's why the government has launched a review that will allow the voices of veterans to be heard and importantly will help us better tailor support to the community."