Your support helps us tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to big tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the finances of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word,’ which shines a light on American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know the importance of analyzing the facts of messaging. .
At such a critical moment in American history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to continue sending journalists to tell both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to block Americans from our reporting and analysis with a paywall. We believe that quality journalism should be available to everyone, and paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes a difference.
LGBT veterans will receive up to £70,000 each for confirmation the historical injustices they experienced in the Armed Forcesthe Ministry of Defense would announce on Thursday.
Secretary of Defense John Healey will also announce that the veterans will have their ranks restored and that the reasons for dismissal will be changed, according to the leaked memo. A ban on serving in the armed forces of lesbians, homosexuals and bisexuals it was abolished in 2000, while transgender people were officially allowed to serve openly in 2014.
Ex-LGBT military personnel discharged or discharged because of their sexual orientation will reportedly receive £50,000, while additional payments of up to £20,000 will be handed out to veterans who served who were adversely affected by the ban from 1967 to 2000 during their service.
Under the ban, members of the force who are found to be LGBT are subject to brutal interrogation and dismissal.
Some faced lifelong consequences, including diminished career prospects, vilification by family and friends, and lack of access to military pensions.
The payments are expected to be exempt from income tax and means-tested benefits, ensuring fighters benefit from the full amount available.
As part of the compensation scheme, the government is expected to increase the total amount available for payouts to £75m – well above the £50m recommended in the Etherton Review for the treatment of LGBT veterans.
Veterans who have been discharged because of their sexual orientation or gender identity will also reportedly be able to apply for reinstatement and change of reason for discharge under the program, which will be open for two years.
It is expected to prioritize applications from terminally ill veterans. MPs are ready to discuss next steps for repairs on Thursday at House of Commons.
said a spokeswoman for the Ministry of Defense The Times: “We deeply regret the treatment of LGBT personnel in service between 1967 and 2000, which was completely unacceptable and not reflective of today’s armed forces.
“We are fully committed to ensuring that this issue receives parliamentary scrutiny.
“We are meeting all the recommendations from the LGBT veteran review, and 38 out of 49 have already been implemented.
“We are working with experts across government to put in place an appropriate financial compensation scheme and will provide more details very soon.”
The Ministry of Defense has been contacted for comment.