LGBT+ veteran medals returned: Symbolic gesture not enough

Responding to the news that LGBT+ military veterans who were stripped of their medals can apply to have them returned, Jamie Stone MP, Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Defence, said: “This symbolic gesture is a positive first step towards righting the gross wrongs done to our LGBTQ+ personnel. But, the Government must not stop at symbolism.

Jamie Stone

“Along with medals being returned, veterans and their families should receive any financial compensation they have lost after these wrongful convictions, including their full pensions.

“A number of veterans were not only discharged from service on the basis of their sexuality but were also convicted, resulting in criminal records, and also lost pension rights. The veterans who were affected by these terrible injustices must be properly compensated.”

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