LGBT ban victims take part in official VE Day celebrations for the first time

Veterans affected by the ban on LGBT people in the military will take part in official VE Day Commemorations today for the first time.

They'll take part in a service at Westminster Abbey, and in a concert in the evening on nearby Horse Guards Parade.

They include Vito Ward, who was discharged in 1970 from the Women's Royal Naval Service for being gay.

She said: "This is a very special occasion for me as a newly reinstated veteran. If anyone had said to me I'd be included in official VE Day events - even ten years ago- I'd never have believed them."

It comes the day after Lord Etherton, the first openly gay High Court judge, who led the government's damning review into the ban, died aged 73.

As many as 20,000 personnel were jailed, dismissed for their sexuality or outed against their will before the rule on service was lifted in 2000.

Then-PM finally said sorry last July, in a victory for campaigners and the charity Fighting With Pride - with victims promised compensation.

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Veterans affected by the ban are being urged to come forward to claim payouts of up to £70,000.

Ms Ward, now in her eighties, added: "I was devastated after being so unfairly kicked out of the career and military family I suited so well.

"So being part of today, recognised for what I did and could have continued to give to my country, is massive.

"I hope it will help others who suffered under the gay ban to come forward so they get the justice and money they're owed under the government's redress scheme."