Rebecca Long-Bailey MP welcomed her constituent, Stewart Russell, to Parliament to mark a significant moment of recognition and redress for LGBT veterans affected by the historic ban on serving openly in the Armed Forces.

The presentation formed part of the Government’s LGBT Restorative Action measures, which seek to acknowledge and address the injustice faced by personnel who were dismissed or forced to serve in secrecy between 1967 and 2000.

During the visit, Stewart was presented with his LGBT Restorative Action recognition, including the Etherton Ribbon, a symbol of both the discrimination endured and the resilience shown by LGBT service personnel.

The ceremony, attended by representatives from the Royal Air Force and invited guests, provided an opportunity to formally recognise Stewart’s service and to reflect on the impact of past policies. It also marked a wider commitment to ensuring that those affected receive the acknowledgement and apology they deserve.

Speaking after the event, Rebecca Long-Bailey MP said, “It was a real honour and privilege to welcome Stewart to Parliament and to present him with his LGBT Restorative Action recognition. For far too long, LGBT personnel were treated unjustly and excluded from serving openly in our Armed Forces. What happened to Stewart and so many others was wrong, and it should never have happened.

“This ceremony was a small but important step in recognising that injustice and offering a long-overdue apology. I was proud to stand alongside Stewart, RAF representatives, and others as we marked that moment together.

“Stewart’s courage, dignity, and service deserve to be recognised and celebrated. It meant a great deal to be part of this with him.”

The event forms part of ongoing efforts to ensure that LGBT veterans receive appropriate recognition, support, and redress for the discrimination they experienced, while reaffirming the Armed Forces’ commitment to equality and inclusion.