Our host, Lewis Quarmby speaks to Royal Air Force veteran, Carl Austin-Behan, about his lived experience of the ban on LGBT personnel in the armed forces. They were joined by Peter Gibson, Chief Executive of Fighting With Pride, and Sarah Jones from our employee network IM Equal.

On 12 December 2024, the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme made recognition payments available to those who served in the Armed Forces between 27 July 1967 and 11 January 2000 and were affected by the ban.

The deadline for applications is 12 December 2026. If you don’t apply in time you’ll lose your right to a payment under the scheme.

Together our guests discussed:

• The impact of the LGBT ban and the support that’s available to those who were affected by it.
• Whether the Financial Recognition Scheme goes far enough.
• The potential pitfalls of making an application under the scheme and the importance of seeking legal advice.
• Where to get support to make an application, including support for elderly claimants and those who lack capacity.

Drawing on their personal experiences, they shared touching stories and lots of useful information to help those seeking to apply for a recognition payment. The discussion contains references to themes that some individuals may find distressing.

If you were impacted by the ban, our expert Military team is here to help you navigate the Financial Recognition Scheme. Further support and resources are available from the LGBT+ Veterans charity, Fighting With Pride.

Finding love is an exciting journey – but one that often comes with questions and complexities.

You might be shifting your focus from career to searching for the one. You might be just looking for companionship. Or you might be divorced or widowed and looking to take that leap of faith and find love again.

Regardless of your circumstances, it's critical to ensure your personal and financial safety as you get to know your new spouse.

Our latest podcast brings together experts from the legal and dating industries to support you every step of the way. Join Family Law partner and host Zahra Pabani, as she sits down with special guest Rachel MacLynn of exclusive matchmaking agency MacLynn International and Irwin Mitchell colleagues Phillip Rhodes and Yousafa Hazara.

A lack of resources for local planning authorities, supply chain issues, and a rise in land values has crippled the development and planning sector.

This has resulted in the lowest level of planning applications and completions in a decade.

But with the government determined to get Britain building again – including its pledge to chase down the 1.5 million shortfall in new homes – it’s also an exciting time for the sector.

Join legal experts Claire Petricca-Riding, Nicola Gooch and Pamela Chesterman as they look back over developments from the last 12 months and outline key priorities for 2025.