BFBS Radio, the forces network, reports that a senior Colonel in the military is concerned about the future of trans people in the armed forces.
The British Army's most senior transgender officer has issued a stark warning that trans personnel may be unable to continue serving in the Armed Forces beyond 2026. Colonel Grace Sangster-Wall delivered the caution during a powerful keynote address at the LGBTQ+ Defence Awards in London.
In a dramatic gesture before her speech, Colonel Sangster-Wall removed the top half of her mess dress in front of 450 attendees. She explained this was to ensure there was "no misunderstanding" that her forthcoming comments represented her personal views and not those of the Ministry of Defence (MOD).
The colonel, who serves as Provost Marshal in the Royal Military Police, levelled significant criticism at the MOD for what she described as a "regression" in the rights currently experienced by trans service personnel. She drew a direct parallel with historical discrimination, stating: "In the same way that there was no evidence to justify the ban on LGBT+ volunteers in the 50s and 60s, there is no evidence to justify a regression in the rights, dignity, opportunity and working experience of the current serving trans minority."
Colonel Sangster-Wall highlighted that the MOD has 26 years of experience in integrating trans individuals into military life. However, she presented a bleak forecast for the future, telling the audience: "The harsh reality is that it's unknown if, and increasingly unlikely that, I and those trans service persons that I support, will be able to serve into and beyond 2026."
It remains unclear whether her warning suggests the MOD is considering an outright ban on trans personnel, similar to the policy announced by former US President Donald Trump, or if it refers to a broader deterioration in conditions making service untenable. The colonel's remarks come during the 25th anniversary year of the lifting of the ban on homosexuality in the British Armed Forces, a milestone the Army is commemorating with 25 separate events.
Speaking to BFBS Forces News after her address, Colonel Sangster-Wall confirmed she had sought legal advice prior to making her comments, which informed her decision to remove her uniform. As a full colonel, she is regarded as a senior figure within the Army's structure.
In response to the speech, an MOD spokesperson stated: "We do not recognise the 2026 date and reject it. Defence is proud of all our LGBT+ military and civilian personnel and the significant contributions they make to ensure our security, support our national interests, and safeguard our prosperity." The spokesperson emphasised that fostering an inclusive environment is a priority and added that the department "will be guided by the revised EHRC Code of Practice when it becomes available."
