Thank you for your amazing support to FWP’s campaign for restorative justice for LGBT+ veterans affected by the ‘gay ban’ and for those who were dismissed because they were perceived to be gay. In little more than 3 years we have taken this campaign from a standing start to see a rare apology on behalf of the nation state and the hope of meaningful reparations. As we enter the final and most important stage, we need you to support and enable your own MP to realise the importance of supporting getting this right.
This may be our last opportunity to influence the outcome of the reparation’s discussions and perhaps one of the last times we will ask you for help. From our discussions in Whitehall, we have learned that MOD and the Armed Forces have worked hard to put together a meaningful and appropriate set of reparations; however, the Government’s intentions regarding financial recompense are not known to us and this is the moment for each and every voice to be heard.
Attached to this announcement is an example letter for Veterans to send to their MPs. You are welcome to copy it or write something of your own. The key points you should make are:
- the ban was a shocking breach of the Armed Forces Covenant that resulted in LGBT+ members of our Armed Forces being treated with cruelty. The impact upon them has lasted a lifetime.
- The £50M reparations cap recommended by the Independent Review cannot be justified and must not be implemented.
- Reparations payments must be substantial and recognise the lifetime of shame, loss and hurt inflicted by the ban. The payments must bring a sense of justice for these veterans and the comfort and financial security in later life that we would wish for all veterans.
If you aren’t sure how to connect with your MP, we have attached a Stonewall guide that was provided following one of our Town Halls earlier in the year, providing additional advice on this. Our example letter below already includes their recommended EPIC format (Engage, Problem, Inform, Call).
When we asked for you to complete our survey in August, over 300 veterans replied, and it had a big impact. Please help if you can.
