Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said he has received an “unbelievable volume” of online homophobic abuse since taking office in July, more than at any earlier point in his life. He said some people object to the prospect of an openly gay person leading the UK’s armed forces, while he sees his appointment as an opportunity to challenge enduring stereotypes.

Streeting is the first openly gay Defence Secretary and noted the contrast with the period from 1967 to 2000, when gay people were barred from the armed forces and many faced interrogation, bullying and dismissal. He said his appointment had largely passed without media comment but had prompted a markedly hostile online reaction; meanwhile, LGBT+ veterans affected by past mistreatment have until 12 December to apply to a financial redress scheme.