Royal Star & Garter welcomes the Independent Review by Lord Etherton into the experience of LGBT veterans who served in HM Armed Forces between 1967 and 2000. Andy Cole OBE, the Chief Executive of Royal Star & Garter, commented:

“We were shocked by the Etherton Review’s insights into the appalling and abhorrent treatment of LGBT people who served in the Armed Forces between 1967 and 2000. We fully support the report’s recommendations.

“At Royal Star & Garter, we are proud to offer an inclusive and respectful service, where all veterans and their partners are supported, as are our colleagues and volunteers. We are committed to nurturing a culture where everyone is treated fairly and equally, eliminating discrimination and promoting inclusion across the organisation.

“There is no room for complacency, however, and this important report reminds us that listening to and supporting our LGBTQIA+ veterans and staff must remain central to our work. Through our own actions and through our partnership with the Confederation of Service Charities, we will continue to strive for the Armed Forces community and social care services to be fully inclusive and accessible to all.”