Tag: Ministry of Defence

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 26 September 2024.

AUKUS nations will work closely together to boost global security, following the conclusion of a landmark meeting in London.

Hundreds of Australian defence and civilian personnel will be upskilled in nuclear reactor expertise in 2025 by specialist Royal Navy engineers. The first such course concluded earlier this month, with 250 personnel learning the skills necessary to own, operate, maintain, sustain and regulate a nuclear-powered submarine.

The UK Defence Secretary committed to more UK-delivered training courses as the trilateral Defence Ministers AUKUS meeting concluded in London. John Healey hosted his Australian and US counterparts at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich – the site of the Royal Navy’s initial nuclear reactor training more than 60 years ago.

The United Kingdom and the United States are strengthening superiority in the maritime domain by integrating Sting Ray torpedoes onto P-8A submarine-hunting aircraft. The Sting Ray counters deep diving and conventional submarines, and this move has the potential to boost lethality and stockpile resilience across the AUKUS nations.

UK Defence Secretary John Healey said:

“These are serious times, with threats increasing across the globe. Our defence partnerships have never been more important. I am pleased to confirm further skills and capability agreements with our AUKUS partners today.

“Our government will stand shoulder to shoulder with our Australian and the US partners, with new UK leadership in AUKUS and a commitment to boost jobs and growth.

“It has been an honour to host my counterparts in London for this landmark meeting.”

The progress by Australia to build their own nuclear-powered submarine workforce was furthered by Australian personnel last month when they participated in the maintenance of a nuclear-powered attack submarine – the USS Hawaii – for the first time in Australia.

A trilateral statement issued following today’s meeting underlined the security partnership’s continued commitment to supporting a free and open Indo-Pacific, that is secure and stable. It said the countries will continue to work to uphold the rules-based international order where human rights and the rule of law are respected, and states can make sovereign choices free from coercion.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 26 September 2024.

A landmark AUKUS meeting will be held in the UK today as the Defence Secretary John Healey hosts counterparts from the US and Australia in London.

• Landmark meeting as Defence Ministers from AUKUS partners meet outside the US for first time.
• Negotiations set to commence on UK-Australia treaty to define defence relationship for decades.
• Billions of pounds of UK exports expected to support Australian submarine build, with AUKUS to support over 21,000 UK jobs and helping to grow the economy.

The meeting will be the first trilateral Defence Ministers AUKUS meeting to be held outside of the United States. Healey will host US Secretary of Defense Lloyd James Austin III and Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles to discuss the importance of the AUKUS partnership.

It comes as the UK and Australia have agreed plans to commence negotiations on a bilateral AUKUS treaty between the UK and Australia. The treaty will establish the strategic and operational framework for bilateral cooperation under AUKUS with a focus on the core elements of the delivery of SSN-AUKUS.

Given the importance of accelerating the design, build and delivery of SSN-AUKUS, Australia and the UK agreed these negotiations should occur at pace and with high priority.

This first-of-its-kind treaty between the two countries could create a major UK trade boost – it is estimated that facilitating the SSN-AUKUS build in Australia will see billions of pounds of submarine components exported from the UK through our defence industry supply chains. The treaty will lay out the nations’ relationship on submarine co-operation, as work progresses on future conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered attack submarines for the UK and Australia.

The three-year anniversary of the landmark AUKUS partnership was marked this month, following shortly after a historic breakthrough in defence trade was reached between the UK, US, and Australia.

The significant reduction in red tape will cover up to £500 million of UK defence exports each year, and billions of dollars of trade across all three nations, helping boost UK economic growth.

In a further boost for the UK economy, it is estimated at its peak the future AUKUS attack submarine programme will have more than 21,000 people working on it at UK sites, with the work generating an additional 7,000 skilled roles.

UK Defence Secretary, John Healey said:

I’m proud to be the first UK Defence Secretary to host a meeting of AUKUS Defence Ministers in Britain.

As AUKUS partners, we stand shoulder-to-shoulder in an increasingly unstable world. This is a partnership that will boost jobs, growth and prosperity across our three nations, as well as strengthening our collective security.

I’m delighted that we will soon be commencing negotiations on a bilateral AUKUS treaty with Australia, which will help create a more secure and stable Indo-Pacific for decades to come.

The treaty work comes off the back of a UK-Australia Defence and Security Cooperation Agreement being signed earlier this year, helping make it easier for our Armed Forces to operate together in each other’s countries and facilitate UK submarine crews visiting Australia as part of the AUKUS partnership.

Since the AUKUS launch, nearly £10 billion of investment has been allocated towards UK nuclear work and infrastructure:

• £4 billion to progress SSN-AUKUS UK submarines through design, prototyping and initial purchases.
• £3 billion for new advanced manufacturing capabilities in Barrow-in-Furness and Derby.
• £2.4 billion over ten years from Australia to boost Rolls-Royce infrastructure and to share costs on SSN-AUKUS submarine design.

Through AUKUS Pillar 2, Australia, the UK and the US are pooling the talents of their defence sectors to develop at pace the delivery of advanced capabilities. Four UK companies have been selected by the UK’s Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) to receive a share of £2 million of funding to develop solutions in electromagnetic targeting and protection.

The competition was run to find low cost, disposable, high volume and highly autonomous electromagnetic technology that can detect enemy actions or protect against them.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 20 September 2024.

Military science and technology organisations agree to partner on critical research areas in support of defence and security.

The Ministry of Defence, the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and the Canadian Department of National Defence will collaboratively pursue research, development, test and evaluation technologies for artificial intelligence (AI), cyber, resilient systems and information domain-related technologies.

The methodologies, algorithms, capabilities and tools created will be exploited by developing new concepts of operations that focus on real-world challenges.

The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) will be the lead agency for the UK. Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) will be the lead organisation on behalf of Canada.

The collaboration has been driven by the rapid pace of technology development and the future challenges in an ever-changing geopolitical environment. This effort will further leverage relevant research programmes among all nations and reduce duplication of efforts.

Dr Nick Joad, Director Science and Technology at UK Ministry of Defence, said:

Our international research collaborations with both the US and Canada are some of our most vital and enduring partnerships.

This agreement cements our collective commitments to advancing emerging cyber security technologies such as cyber security and artificial intelligence to enhance the defence and security of our nations.

Dstl Chief Executive, Dr Paul Hollinshead, said:

This partnership with two of our closest allies will help keep the UK secure at home and strong abroad today and in the future.

Together, we are driving value for money for our respective taxpayers while creating mission critical capabilities through science and technology, keeping our countries and our people safe.

DARPA Director, Stefanie Tompkins, added:

We know we’re stronger together than separately. The trilateral collaboration is a big step toward enhancing our understanding in the outlined research and development thrust areas. Working with our international partners on science and technology helps us all leverage each other’s individual strengths in order to develop much greater collective capability.

DRDC Assistant Deputy Minister, Dr Jaspinder Komal, said:

Due to the pervasive nature and rapid evolution of artificial intelligence in dual-use technologies with civilian and military applications, we’ve identified this as a priority area for defence research.

We’re pleased to be working with our allies in the UK and US through this trilateral agreement, which will potentially enable a multitude of cooperative research projects in the cyber and information domains.

In addition to strengthening international partnerships, the goal is to continue reducing technological risks so new capabilities can transition into operational use as quickly as possible.

One research project already underway is the Cyber Agents for Security Testing and Learning Environments (CASTLE) programme, which trains AI to autonomously defend networks against advanced persistent cyber threats.

Other research and development areas of interest include:

• human-AI teaming, including military medical triage
• defining and creating trustworthy AI systems, even in the face of attacks by skilled, high-resource adversaries
• protecting, detecting attacks on, and measuring the health of the information domain
• producing tools and techniques that result in more resilient and secure systems, such as rapid certification of software

Collaboration in these and other topics was deepened at a symposium convened by DARPA in summer 2024 which included representatives from across the UK, US and Canadian governments.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 19 September 2024.

Defence Secretary John Healey MP paid tribute to the professionalism and dedication of Army personnel on a visit to the British Army’s headquarters in Andover today.

Hosted by the Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Roly Walker, the Defence Secretary met with personnel from across the Army, including apprentices, soldiers and civilians, and received briefings on the Army’s activities and contributions to keeping Britain more secure at home and strong abroad.

John Healey discussed the Government’s commitment to renewing the nation’s contract with those that serve and have served, recognising their unique contribution to UK defence. Serving personnel were given time to ask questions about the Defence Secretary’s and the new Government’s priorities for the Armed Forces and veterans.

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:

The strength of our Armed Forces is down to our people, including all those in the Army, who serve with courage, professionalism and excellence.

I am committed to renewing the nation’s contract with those who serve and have served, ensuring they feel supported and valued for the incredible sacrifices they make every day to keep us all safe.

Andover has been the home to the British Army since 2010, with over 2,000 military and civilian personnel working at the headquarters.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 18 September 2024.

Thousands of UK military land vehicles will be maintained under a new £71 million contract, supporting the government’s growth mission by creating hundreds of jobs.

The contract award to NP Aerospace was announced during the British Army’s Defence Vehicle Dynamic (DVD) event taking place at the vehicle testing grounds at Millbrook.

Called the Conventional Vehicle Systems Spares and Post Design Services (CVSSP), the contract will be for spares and post design services for a range of legacy utility and combat vehicles and ancillary equipment, helping to create and sustain around 100 skilled jobs in Coventry.

The contract will help to extend the life of the entire Land Rover fleet; Pinzgauer fleet; protected Land Rover; RWMIK and the Lightweight Trailer fleet. This will deliver greater value for money and fill the gaps of new vehicle programmes being delivered, maintaining capability in the interim.

The contract will help to maintain a fleet of more than 15,000 land vehicles for the next 4 years by consolidating former individual contracts, providing a new single point of contact. The CVSSP contract will ensure that vehicle fleet availability is maintained at the required levels to meet operational and training needs.

Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle, said:

We will deliver a state-of-the-art combat vehicle fleet, ensuring our soldiers are equipped with cutting-edge firepower, protection, and mobility.

This new contract will help to secure the future of these crucial capabilities, streamlining the processes involved in repairs and upgrades, while boosting UK economic growth at the same time.

Also at DVD, the British Army’s future fleet of modern armoured vehicles – Ajax, Boxer and Challenger 3 – have been pictured together side-by-side for the first time. With more than 1,300 of the vehicles due for delivery before the end of the decade, they will provide world-leading reconnaissance, secured armoured transport, and the UK’s most lethal ever tank.

The three types of armoured vehicles on display today will make up the Brigade Combat Teams of the future, providing the British Army with enhanced fighting power.

With more than £11 billion investment, the pipeline of new armoured fighting vehicles is creating jobs, with Boxer alone protecting 400 jobs in the West Midlands, North East Wales and sustaining up to 1,000 nationally.

Brigadier Matt Wilkinson from the Vehicle Support Team at Defence, Equipment and Support, said:

We have a long-standing relationship with NP Aerospace, and I’m delighted that we are able to continue this partnership. Not only does it provide the best possible service to the Armed Forces, but it also aligns with the MOD’s future Land Industrial Strategy initiatives, including an evolution to Land Integrated Operating Services.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 18 September 2024.

Defence Minister Lord Coaker pushed forward the UK’s relationships with partners in the Indo-Pacific last week with visits to the Republic of Korea and Vietnam.

In the Republic of Korea, the Minister attended the Responsible Artificial Intelligence in the Military (REAIM) Summit, co-hosted by the UK in Seoul, where international discussions about the use of AI in the military took place.

The Summit focused on the adoption of AI in the military, which has the potential to transform all aspects of defence and change the nature of warfare – presenting opportunities including better quality and quicker decision-making and automating dangerous tasks. The summit also addressed the risks of AI and the need to adopt technologies safely and responsibly.

Following the REAIM Summit, Lord Coaker attended the Republic of Korea – UN Command Defence Minster Meeting. The UN Command is a multinational group, established to support the Republic of Korea’s security during and after the Korean War.

Attending the Seoul Defence Dialogue, Lord Coaker met Vice Defense Minister Seon ho Kim to discuss the UK’s close partnership and cooperation with the Republic of Korea. Lord Coaker addressed the dialogue on the challenges and future of defence innovation.

Defence Minister Lord Vernon Coaker said:

Our security at home in the UK is inextricably linked to stability in the Indo-Pacific. That’s why it’s more important than ever that we continue to work with regional partners and allies to support global security and stand up for international laws and norms.

That’s exactly what I’ve been doing in Seoul and Hanoi, and it’s been an honour to visit so early in my post to discuss our cooperation on the opportunities and challenges we face.

During his time in the Republic of Korea, Lord Vernon Coaker also visited the demilitarized zone, and met with UK Royal Marines who are in the Republic of Korea following recent exercises with ROK Armed Forces. The UK remains committed to peace and security on the Korean Peninsula and the collective security mechanisms on the Peninsula.

The UK and Republic of Korea have long worked together in support of peace and security in the region. In July, the Minister joined Korean representatives at the Korean War Memorial in London to recognise the sacrifices of all those who gave their lives during the Korean War, including over one thousand British military personnel.

The visit last week was an important moment to build on the meeting held by Prime Minister Kier Starmer and President Yoon in July, and the Downing Street Accord, signed during President Yoon’s visit to the UK in November 2023.

Visiting Vietnam to co-chair the fifth annual UK-Vietnam Defence Policy Dialogue, Lord Coaker held discussions with Vice Minister Chien on defence and security cooperation. Last year marked 50 years of diplomatic relations between the UK and Vietnam, and the relationship has developed over this time.

The UK recognises that security in the Indo-Pacific region is indivisible from that in Europe and is committed to strengthening relationships in the region further to support stability.

While in Vietnam, the UK Minister visited the Vietnam Department for Peacekeeping Operations. The UK is supporting Vietnam in developing as a UN Troop Contributing Nation, and has supported Vietnam’s deployments since 2018, including to South Sudan and Abyei, by training medical and engineering personnel.

The Minister met with soldiers from the British Army’s 8 Engineer Brigade who have been supporting Vietnam with training and set out how the UK is eager to assist with future initiatives.

The Government will make allies our strategic strength and is determined to build on our Indo-Pacific commitments and partnership.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 12 September 2024.

HMS Iron Duke and HMS Tyne shadowed four Russian vessels in UK waters and RAF jets intercepted a Russian Bear aircraft approaching the UK area of interest.

Royal Navy warships have spent the past week closely shadowing the Russian Navy as four of its vessels sailed through the Channel and the North Sea, helping to protect UK national security.

Alongside this, two RAF Typhoons scrambled from RAF Lossiemouth yesterday (11/09), supported by a Voyager from RAF Brize Norton, to intercept two Russian Bear-F aircraft operating near the UK.

The RAF jets were launched under NATO command and worked closely with our partners to monitor the aircraft as they passed through international airspace. Our Typhoon fighters escorted the aircraft out of the UK’s Flight Information Region and at no time did the Russian aircraft enter UK sovereign airspace.

Typhoons are part of the RAF’s Quick Reaction Alert, which sees aircraft in Scotland and England at high-readiness 24/7, 365 days a year ready to defend and protect UK airspace.

Defence Secretary, John Healey MP said:

This government is committed to making the UK secure at home and strong abroad. Efforts by the Royal Navy and RAF over the last two weeks demonstrate their selfless commitment to protecting our national security.

I’d like to thank those members of our armed forces who took part in this operation, their professionalism and skill was on full display while working seamlessly with our NATO allies to uphold international standards.

In a six-day operation hand-in-hand with NATO allies, the Portsmouth-based frigate HMS Iron Duke shadowed the Kilo-class submarine Novorossiysk and its supporting tug Evgeny Churov through the Dover Strait and into the Atlantic.

The carefully-choreographed operation started at the beginning of September when Canadian warship HMCS Shawinigan escorted the diesel-powered submarine and her support vessel as they sailed from the Baltic and headed across the North Sea. The Canadian patrol ship handed over monitoring duties to the Royal Navy as the Russian vessels approached the busy Dover Strait.

From there HMS Iron Duke ensured constant watch on the two vessels, using her many sensors including her Wildcat helicopter, from 815 Naval Air Squadron, in the air. The submarine remained on the surface throughout the operation.

Once the Russian vessels had passed UK waters, HMS Iron Duke handed over shadowing duties to the Marine Nationale off the northwest coast of France, where the frigate FS Auvergne took up the mission.

The ship then returned immediately to the North Sea for a near carbon copy operation – this time with Steregushchiy-class corvette Stoiky and tanker MT Yaz as it approached Dover, picking up shadowing duties from the Belgian Navy, whose patrol vessel BNS Castor had kept watch up to that point.

HMS Iron Duke then handed over monitoring duties to patrol ship HMS Tyne off north western France.

Throughout both journeys past the UK – permitted under international law in accordance with the right of innocent passage– the Russian warships and their support vessels were closely monitored by UK forces to ensure they acted in a safe and non-threatening manner.

Commanding Officer of HMS Iron Duke Commander David Armstrong said:

These were the fourth and fifth such operations for HMS Iron Duke since we emerged from a period of intense training in July, and I am extremely proud of the professionalism and selfless dedication that my ship’s company consistently display as they perform their duty.

Maritime security operations of this nature are a fundamental capability of the Royal Navy, with the protection of our sovereign waters and critical national infrastructure a key focus.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 12 September 2024.

UK personnel are training Ukrainian military dog handlers in vital skills from patrols to explosive device searches.

• Specialist training includes combat operations and explosive device searches.
• It is part of Operation Interflex, which has trained more than 45,000 Ukrainian personnel since Russia’s illegal invasion in 2022.
• 16 handlers have been trained by the British Army on two courses this summer.

Ukrainian soldiers and civilians will be better protected from unexploded ordnance and illegal weapons thanks to training offered in the UK to Ukrainian border guards and their working dogs.

This week the UK has welcomed the second group of Ukrainian military dog handlers from the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine to receive specialist training from their British counterparts.

The three week training visit includes how to conduct effective patrols and explosive device searches. UK trainers also demonstrated how UK military working dogs are acclimated to the sights, sounds and smells of the battlefield, allowing them to work safely and efficiently alongside their handlers.

Military working dogs are essential on the front line and on the border as their highly adaptable nature means they can be trained for a range of specialised roles and deployed across multiple military branches to keep personnel safe. In Ukraine, only this year Ukrainian working dogs have been used to prevent 950 border violations, including seizing 87.5kgs of drugs, nearly 20,000 piece of ammunition, 150 mines and 32kgs of explosives.

This collaborative training upholds the UK’s iron-clad commitment to Ukraine’s security and comes just days after the Defence Secretary John Healey announced the extension of Operational Interflex, having already trained over 45,000 Ukrainian recruits the programme will continue until at least the end of 2025.

More than two years into Russia’s full-scale invasion, huge areas of Ukraine are covered with unexploded ordnance and explosive remnants of war. Military working dogs play a crucial role in identifying these, with a sense of smell 42 times stronger than a human, so they can be made safe for soldiers and civilians. Their speed, agility and loyalty make them indispensable when securing high-risk areas.

In addition to their tactical roles, MWDs provide emotional support to personnel on the front lines as their presence can boost morale, reduce stress and enhance the mental resilience of troops in challenging conditions.

Minister for the Armed Forces, Luke Pollard MP said:

This government is clear that the defence of the UK and Europe starts in Ukraine and our commitment to training members of the Ukrainian military across a variety of disciplines remains ironclad.

Military working dogs perform and invaluable role in both combat, mine-clearing and border operations and this training will help protect both Ukrainian soldiers and civilians. We owe a debt of gratitude to our four-legged friends who offer a unique and irreplaceable service to both the UK and Ukrainian militaries.

The training is offered by the 1st Military Working Dog (MWD) Regiment. 1MWD support a range of operational tasks both in the UK and across the globe including arms explosive search, patrols and combat operations. They also have a full veterinary capability.

In July 2024, the Prime Minister committed £3 billion of UK aid for Ukraine per year for as long as it takes to overcome the Russian threat. Last week, the Defence Secretary confirmed the signing of a £300 million contract that will boost Ukraine’s air defences through the delivery of thousands of shells. These latest announcements will continue to support the development of Ukraine’s Armed Forces.

The UK has provided £7.6 billion in military support since Russia’s illegal invasion, and will provide £3 billion in military support for 2024 to 2025. This collaborative training is a further representation of the UK’s continued investment in Ukraine. From learning basic combat tactics, to the training of Military working dogs and their handlers, the UK is committed to teaching Ukrainian recruits vital skills to protect them on the battlefield.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 12 September 2024.

UK submarines will be able to go through maintenance work faster and therefore redeploy more quickly, following major upgrade works at a key naval base facility.

The biggest dry dock in Devonport, known as 9 Dock, has reopened today following a major refurbishment project worth £200 million completed under a contract with Babcock International Group.

At an opening ceremony in Plymouth, Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry Maria Eagle MP announced that 9 Dock and Devonport are pivotal to the government’s triple-lock nuclear guarantee to deliver our next generation, Continuous-At-Sea Nuclear Deterrent.

Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle MP said:

The Vanguard fleet is at the heart of deterring our adversaries and keeping the UK safe. This government is committed to a ‘triple-lock’ on our nuclear and to bolstering national security through crucial refurbishments such as this one.

I am honoured to open 9 Dock today, and to have the opportunity to speak with personnel and staff on their vital contribution to our nation’s security.

Devonport is the biggest naval base in Western Europe and has been a vital support for the Royal Navy since 1691. Spread across a vast area of more than 650 acres, it features 15 dry docks, four miles of waterfront, 25 tidal berths, and five basins.

With a workforce of 7,000 Service people and civilians, Devonport also contributes to the local economy by supporting approximately 400 local businesses and generating around ten percent of Plymouth’s income. Employing more than 10% of Plymouth’s workforce it contributes 14% of Plymouth’s economy Nationally, Devonport plays a vital role in supporting the UK’s Maritime industry by creating high-quality jobs, attracting further investment and subsequently strengthening the UK’s strategic position on the global stage.

There were 1,250 people employed during upgrades to 9 Dock, through the project team and the supply chain. More than 900 people were local and commuted daily with 25 apprentices employed during the project.

The upgrades made to the dock have been undertaken to maintain and upgrade the support services, buildings, security arrangements and the equipment in the Dock, such as the installation of the Alternative Mechanical Handling package that will help reduce the maintenance durations by driving up productivity. This major refurbishment to 9 Dock allows the continuation of the upkeep of ballistic missile submarines, officially known as Deep Maintenance Period (DMP), for Vanguard Class submarines. The four Vanguard Class SSBNs form the backbone of the United Kingdom’s Continuous At Sea Nuclear Deterrent which keeps the nation safe 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The Vanguard Class undergo cycles of planned Deep Maintenance Periods throughout their lifetime. These maintenance periods ensure they remain fitted with the latest technology and systems to fulfil their operational capabilities.

Babcock CEO, David Lockwood said:

Supporting the Continuous at Sea Deterrent is the most important thing we do. The huge investment and increase in digital technology in this submarine facility ensures the UK has a sovereign, fit-for-purpose, deep maintenance capability now and in the future.

Opening our Engineering & Skills establishment at City College Plymouth on the same day, demonstrates our commitment to securing the critical nuclear skills the UK needs   to continue to deliver these vital defence programmes.

Since 1969 our Continuous at Sea Deterrent has been the bedrock of our nation’s defence. The Minister also used her visit to reinforce the new government commitment to its ‘triple-lock’ on the deterrent, which includes building four new nuclear submarines in Barrow-In-Furness, in Cumbria; maintaining our continuous at sea nuclear deterrent; and delivering all future upgrades needed. Last week the Defence Secretary greeted submariners on the Clyde returning from the latest nuclear patrol mission and thanked our submariners and all those shoreside for their dedication and service.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 10 September 2024.

Defence Ministers present Etherton Ribbon to LGBT Veterans at symbolic ceremony.

The first Etherton Ribbons, to acknowledge the mistreatment of those affected by the ban on LGBT personnel serving in the Armed Forces, were presented to veterans by the Ministry of Defence today.

During a symbolic ceremony, the Secretary of State for Defence John Healey MP and Minister for Veterans and People Alastair Carns OBE MC MP presented ribbons to three veterans. This is part of the new Government’s commitment to right the wrongs of the past and deliver the recommendations of Lord Etherton’s review into the historic treatment of LGBT veterans.

Emma Riley, who served as a Royal Naval radio operator, Stephen Close, who served in the Army and former RAF firefighter Carl Austin-Behan OBE DL were the first three veterans to receive the Etherton Ribbon.

The ribbon acknowledges those affected by the Ban on LGBT personnel serving in the UK Armed Forces between 1967 and 2000.

The special design – which can be worn as a pin – was created by LGBT veterans and others affected by the ban; current serving LGBT personnel and representatives of relevant charities. It represents the commitment and sacrifices made in service by LGBT veterans, the suffering caused by the historic policy and the strength shown by those who stood against it.

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:

I am proud to present Carl, Stephen and Emma with the very first Etherton Ribbon. It symbolises the unique contribution that our LGBT veterans have made to national security, and acknowledges the treatment they suffered.

The historic treatment of LGBT veterans was utterly unacceptable and has no place in today’s Armed Forces. I want to be the first of this government’s Ministers to say a deep and profound sorry.

We are determined to right those wrongs and renew the nation’s contract with those who serve and have served.

Minister for Veterans and People Alistair Carns OBE MC MP said:

The Etherton review was an important step in acknowledging the wrongs of the past.

The presentation of the Etherton Ribbon demonstrates the Government’s commitment to delivering on all the recommendations, including restorative measures, providing LGBT veterans recognition they deserve.

We are committed to ensuring all our veterans who helped keep Britain secure at home and strong abroad receive the respect and support they need.

The independent LGBT Veterans Independent Review, chaired by Lord Etherton, and commissioned by the Ministry of Defence and the Office for Veterans Affairs, examined the experiences of personnel between 1967-2000 who were impacted by the Ban on homosexuality in the Armed Forces. The review was published in July 2023.

The Government has completed 32 of the 49 recommendations and work continues at pace to fulfil the recommendations that remain, including financial redress.

Following the ceremony, the Defence ministers spoke with veterans and current LGBT personnel about their experiences and life in today’s Armed Forces.