UK Announces £75M Compensation for LGBT Veterans

The UK government has announced a £75 million compensation scheme for LGBT veterans who suffered under the military's ban on homosexual service members, which lasted from 1967 to 2000. This fund represents a 50% increase from the initially proposed £50 million and allows affected veterans to claim up to £70,000 in compensation. The scheme also permits veterans to seek the restoration of their military rank and amend their discharge reasons. Between 200 and 250 personnel were dismissed each year under the ban, with many facing severe consequences, including imprisonment and loss of pensions. The compensation will be tax-exempt and not affect means-tested benefits, and applications will be prioritized for terminally-ill veterans. This initiative comes as a result of extensive campaigning by affected veterans and advocacy groups, marking a significant step towards acknowledging and rectifying past injustices suffered by LGBT military personnel.