Wes Streeting: ‘Unbelievable volume’ of homophobia since taking defence job

He says he has faced more homophobia than ever before

When he was appointed in July, Streeting became the first openly gay Defence Secretary, in a cabinet led by Andy Burnham. 

The abuse is a reminder of how recent the change is: gay people were banned from the army, navy and air force between 1967 and 2000, and those suspected of being gay were subjected to brutal interrogation and bullying, then forced out of service.

What Wes Streeting told the podcast

"I have experienced more online homophobia in the last three weeks than I have in my entire life. Unbelievable volume – because people cannot cope with the idea that a gay person might lead the armed forces of the United Kingdom."

– Wes Streeting, speaking to Iain Dale on LBC’s All Talk

He also described a warmer reception inside the Ministry of Defence. “I’m proud of the fact that in my lifetime we’ve gone from gay people not being allowed to serve in the military to a gay Defence Secretary,” he said, recalling that in his first week a colleague told him it “means a lot to many of us who remember the bad old days”.

Former LGBT+ service personnel who were affected by the military’s historic ban can apply for financial compensation under a government redress scheme, although there is a 12 December deadline to make a claim.

Veterans have been encouraged to apply before the window closes, with the issue now receiving further attention as Labour’s polling lead keeps the government and its Cabinet appointments firmly in the spotlight.