LGBT veterans 'angry and disappointed' at pace of government compensation scheme
Wrongfully dismissed for the historic 'crime' of being LGBT and trying to serve their country, mistreated veterans have, on Thursday, expressed anger at the pace of a compensation scheme aimed at addressing this injustice.
In December, the government announced up to £75 million for the LGBT financial recognition scheme, with payments of up to £70,000 for each veteran 'to acknowledge the historic wrongs they experienced in the armed forces'.
On Thursday, these same veterans expressed anger and disappointment that out of more than 1,000 applications for compensation over the last five months - so far just 24 have been paid.
If applications were to continue being processed at this speed it would take more than 17 years to complete the compensation scheme.
The Fighting with Pride military charity said eight of the 24 payouts were to veterans with life-limiting health conditions.
The charity's chief executive Peter Gibson said older veterans have been left 'furious' and feeling that 'justice delayed is justice denied'.
He has written to Defence Secretary John Healey to convey the 'growing anger, frustration and impatience' of veterans, and to say the scheme 'is sadly not delivering at a pace which meets the expectations of the ageing veterans we are working with'.
Mr Gibson said a staff of 15 people to deal with the scheme 'together with underperforming technology is clearly and simply not enough to meet the demand'.
Emma Storey, who was under investigation by military police and left the Women's Royal Army Corps in 1987, shared her anger over the delays.
She said: 'We feel angry and disappointed. We were treated abysmally during our service. Forced out for our sexuality and loving the people we love, only to be let down by a casual approach to the payments we're owed.
'I'm 64 years old and deserve to enjoy some dignity in the later years of my life.
'After reopening the wounds by applying for the financial recognition scheme, the least I'd expect is to be showed the decency and respect of a prompt resolution.'
For many veterans, who are now in their 60s, 70s, and 80s time is of the essence.
'For many it means justice delayed is justice denied. Fighting With Pride will continue to do everything we can to find every single affected LGBT veteran and ensure they get the reparations they deserve," said Peter Gibson.
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: 'We recognise the need to work quickly through the over 1,000 applications for financial recognition we've received.
'The process of working through the applications requires checking a number of information sources and historical records, however we understand the need for timeliness in delivering this important scheme.
'We are working closely with stakeholder groups and applicants can receive updates on their progress from the team via gov.uk.'
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