Key facts
- Defence Secretary Wes Streeting has reported a significant increase in homophobic abuse online since his appointment.
- Streeting is the first openly gay individual to hold the position of UK defence secretary.
- He contrasted the online abuse with the minimal media attention given to his historic appointment.
- The UK government established an LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme in 2024 for those dismissed under the historical ban on gay personnel.
- Streeting mentioned liaising with US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, who has implemented policies seen as opposing inclusion.
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting has revealed he has experienced an "unbelievable volume" of homophobic abuse online since taking up his post last month, more than in his entire life. Streeting, who is the first openly gay defence secretary, told the All Talk podcast hosted by Iain Dale that the media coverage of his historic appointment had been largely unremarked upon, which he viewed positively as a sign of progress.
He contrasted this with the online backlash, stating that some people struggle with the idea of a gay person leading the UK armed forces. Streeting expressed pride in the societal shift that has moved from banning gay people from military service to having an openly gay defence secretary. He also referenced the UK government's 2024 LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme, which allows personnel dismissed under the ban (in place from 1967 to 2000) to apply for payments of up to £70,000, though some veterans are challenging the lower payments for those who resigned rather than were dismissed.
Streeting shared an anecdote from his first week where a Ministry of Defence employee expressed pride in his appointment, recalling the "bad old days" when gay individuals were excluded. He views the online abuse as an opportunity to demonstrate strength and challenge persistent stereotypes, highlighting the growing visibility and confidence within the LGBT community. He also drew a comparison with US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, describing him as a "vehement opponent of equality and inclusion" and noting Hegseth's recent plans to test US service personnel for testosterone levels and his order to rename a US navy ship named after Harvey Milk.