Table of Contents
The Mayor of Wirral is urging Armed Forces veterans affected by the historic ban on LGBT people serving in the military to come forward for support before applications close.
Cllr Mary Jordan is backing a national campaign to reach veterans affected by the Ministry of Defence's ban, which was in place between 1967 and 2000.
The deadline to apply for the Government's support schemes is Saturday, 12 December.
The council says many service personnel were forced to hide their sexual orientation, and some saw their careers cut short or faced harassment, investigations, dismissal and in some cases imprisonment.
There are two schemes:
- The Financial Recognition Scheme, which offers payments of up to £70,000
- The Non-Financial Restorative Measures Scheme, which can include an official letter of apology, the return of items such as berets, the removal of dishonour linked to a discharge, and taking part in a formal service ceremony
Around 2,000 veterans have received payments since the schemes opened in December 2024.
Cllr Jordan said: "We cannot change what happened, but one conversation, one shared social media post or one recommendation could help someone receive the recognition and support they deserve."
She also asked friends, family and colleagues to pass the information on to anyone who might be eligible.
Confidential help with applications is available from Fighting with Pride, the Royal British Legion and MOD Veterans Services.
More information is at affectedbytheban.campaign.gov.uk.
Wirral will mark Remembrance this month, with West Kirby's war memorial lit up for the first time on Monday.
