Today the GMC has issued a formal apology for taking regulatory action against a number of doctors because they had convictions based on sexuality. The GMC has said it is ‘truly sorry’ for compounding the harm caused by homophobic laws and attitudes, that were in place into the 1980s and beyond.

Reacting to the news, Dr Caroline Fryar, Medical Defence Union (MDU) director of medical services, said:

“Doctors know how important it is to say sorry when something goes wrong. That is one of the many reasons why this apology from the GMC is so important.

“We welcome the GMC saying sorry for the part it played in the devastation wrought on so many people by historic homophobic laws.

“No one can change history. But all of us within the medical community can play a role in shaping the future – as we seek to build a more inclusive, compassionate, and fair culture in healthcare.”