Just two LGBT veterans kicked out of the Armed Forces for their sexuality have got their medals back.
Ministers pledged in February to “address the historic wrong” against brave gay personnel, who were not allowed to serve until a rule change in 2000.
Yet despite estimates 100 to 200 LGBT personnel were discharged every year, just six have applied to have their medals restored - and only two completed the process as of this week.
That is despite the Sunday Mirror revealing some received a letter inviting them to claim medals back by Remembrance Sunday.
Shadow Armed Forces Minister Stephen Morgan accused the government of "falling short".
He said: “Ministers must move much further and faster towards justice for those who were thrown out of our armed forces simply because of their sexuality.
“Warm words mean little to a community who have been treated so poorly despite their service to our country.”
Caroline Paige, Joint Chief Executive Officer of Fighting with Pride, said: “The Government must raise its game and find an honourable future for those impacted by the ban”.
Five veterans who were discharged for reasons related to their sexuality, and forfeited medals as a result, have applied up to November 8. One of those has had their medals restored.
A further veteran who voluntarily surrendered their medals after being dismissed has got them back.
The Ministry of Defence urged more veterans to come forward, even if they have personal reasons for not having applied yet.
MOD minister Leo Docherty said: “It is deeply regrettable that, because of their sexuality, some members of the Armed Forces were, in the past, treated in a way that would not be acceptable today.”
An MOD spokesperson said: “We remain in contact with applicants and continue to encourage any LGBT veterans who may have been affected by this issue to submit an application for their case to be considered.”
