Wes Streeting said he has received an ‘unbelievable volume” of abuse ‘ because people cannot cope with the idea that a gay person might lead the armed forces of the United Kingdom’
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting before departing by train during his visit to the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv(Image: Jane Barlow/PA Wire)
Wes Streeting said he has experienced more online homophobia since becoming Defence Secretary in July than in his entire life.
The Cabinet minister said he has received an “unbelievable volume” of abuse “because people cannot cope with the idea that a gay person might lead the armed forces of the United Kingdom ”.
Mr Streeting – who was Health Secretary under Keir Starmer – became the first openly gay Defence Secretary after he took on the role under Andy Burnham’s leadership.
He told the podcast hosted by Iain Dale: “I have experienced more online homophobia in the last three weeks than I have in my entire life. Unbelievable volume – because people cannot cope with the idea that a gay person might lead the armed forces of the United Kingdom.”
He added: “I’m proud of the fact that in my lifetime we’ve gone from gay people not being allowed to serve in the military to a gay Defence Secretary.
“And in my first week, someone in the MoD said to me, ‘you know, as a gay man, I’m really proud that we have our first gay defence secretary, and it means a lot to many of us who remember the bad old days’. So I was quite touched by that.”
There was a ‘cruel’ and ‘unjust’ blanket ban on homosexuality in the UK’s Army, Navy, and air force between 1967 and 2000, which left those serving facing intrusive investigations, bullying, abuse, dismissal or even jail.
Veterans who suffered during their time in the armed forces because of their sexual orientation or gender identity can get compensation of up to £50,000. They have until December 12 to apply for a financial redress scheme and have been urged to come forward.
Earlier this month, Mr Streeting – who resigned from Mr Starmer’s government after he “lost confidence” in him – hit back at a radio caller’s homophobic rant questioning the decision to make him Defence Secretary.
During the exchange, caller John said it was a “ridiculous idea to put him (Mr Streeting) in charge of the Ministry of Defence. Asked whether he thought the Defence Secretary was unqualified, he said: “No, it’s because he’s gay, and he talks very camp.”
LBC host Henry Riley told the caller: “John, you are an absolute dinosaur. You should be ashamed of yourself.”
Responding on X, Mr Streeting said: “Water off a duck’s back. My message to every single young person who worries about encountering this sort of thing in their lives and careers is simple: we are stronger, they are weaker, and the future is brighter.”
In a follow-up post he wrote: “I also want to share something with those struggling with abuse because of who you are or who you love. It might feel hard now, but it gets better. You will build resilience and you will find – in time – strength from your experience. Be proud. Be strong by being you.”
