Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has apologised for the UK's historic therapy of LGBT veterans who had been sacked or pressured out of the navy.

It follows a damning report detailing "a vivid picture of overt homophobia at all levels of the armed forces".

The 268-page file discovered "shocking evidence of a culture of homophobia, and of bullying, blackmail and sexual assaults", in addition to "abusive investigations into sexual orientation and sexual preference, disgraceful medical examinations, including conversion therapy, peremptory discharges".

It mentioned the therapy of victims had "appalling consequences in terms of mental health and wellbeing, homelessness, employment, personal relationships and financial hardship".

The government-commissioned impartial evaluate into the service and expertise of LGBT veterans who served within the armed forces between 1967 and 2000 was carried out by Lord Etherton, former grasp of the rolls and head of civil justice, was revealed on Wednesday.

His report mentioned: "I recommend that the prime minister should deliver an apology in the UK Parliament on behalf of the nation to all those LGBT service personnel who served under and suffered from the ban (whether or not they were dismissed or discharged)."

Mr Sunak instructed the Commons: "The ban on LGBT individuals serving in our navy till the yr 2000 was an appalling failure of the British state a long time behind the legislation of this land.

"As today's report makes clear, in that period many endured the most horrific sexual abuse and violence, homophobic bullying and harassment, all while bravely serving this country.

"Today, on behalf of the British state, I apologise."

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The prime minister added: "I hope all those affected will be able to feel proud parts of the veteran community that has done so much to keep our country safe."

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace mentioned he was "deeply sorry" on behalf of the federal government and the armed forces - including the report makes for "miserable and distressing" studying and "spotlights the hurt" felt by these affected.

Labour chief Sir Keir Starmer mentioned his occasion was "proud to repeal the ban" on LGBT+ personnel serving within the forces when it was in workplace.

"Today, we strongly welcome this apology from the Prime Minister as a recognition of their historic mistreatment," he mentioned.

The evaluate additionally really useful an "appropriate financial award" must be made to veterans affected by the pre-2000 ban on homosexuality within the armed forces.

It mentioned: "An appropriate financial award should be made to affected veterans notwithstanding the expiry of litigation time limits. The government's overall exposure should be capped at £50 million."

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The apology was welcomed by former British Army Officer Catherine Dixon, who mentioned she had skilled disgrace and humiliation through the course of her navy profession.

Now vice-chair at charity Stonewall, she mentioned: "Today's apology and announcements are an important step to achieving justice for those LGBTQ+ people who served in HM Armed Forces and, like me, experienced shame, humiliation and a ruined military career because of our sexuality.

"Many had been imprisoned, skilled corrective violence and lived with the stain of legal convictions due to who they cherished and which left some homeless and plenty of unable to work."