Former military members who were dismissed from service because of their sexuality are now able to reclaim lost medals. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said it wanted to address a "historical wrong" with the launch of the scheme.
Gay people were not allowed to serve in the military until a rule change in 2000. A statement on the GOV.UK website says: "Prior to 2000, a number of armed forces personnel were discharged from service on the basis of their sexuality. "Some received convictions under specified legislation for homosexual behaviour that has now been de-criminalised, while others were discharged solely on the basis of their sexuality, without any conviction. "In the course of their discharge, some personnel either forfeited medals