UK Veterans Threaten MoD with Lawsuit Over LGBT Compensation, While eBay Acquires Depop in $1.2bn Deal

Two significant news stories have emerged in the UK, one highlighting a potential lawsuit against the Ministry of Defence (MoD) by a group of veterans, and the other marking a major acquisition in the e-commerce world.

A group of UK veterans is threatening the MoD with legal action over a compensation scheme for LGBT personnel who were unfairly discharged from the military due to their sexual orientation. The scheme, which was established in 2019, provides compensation to those who were dismissed from the military due to the now-repealed ban on LGBT personnel serving openly. However, some veterans claim that the scheme is inadequate and that they have been denied fair compensation.

According to lawyers representing the pair, thousands of veterans could potentially be impacted by the MoD's handling of the compensation scheme. The lawyers argue that the MoD has failed to properly implement the scheme, leading to delays and denials of compensation for those who are eligible. The MoD has not commented on the potential lawsuit, but it is likely that the issue will be closely watched by the LGBT community and veterans' groups.

In a separate development, eBay has acquired second-hand fashion app Depop from Etsy in a $1.2 billion deal. Depop, which was founded in 2011, has become a popular platform for buying and selling second-hand clothing and accessories. The app has gained a significant following among younger generations, who are increasingly looking for sustainable and affordable fashion options.

The acquisition is seen as a strategic move by eBay to expand its presence in the second-hand fashion market. Depop's user base and brand recognition are expected to complement eBay's existing platforms, including eBay Marketplace and eBay Classifieds. The deal is also seen as a vote of confidence in the growing demand for second-hand fashion, which is driven by consumer concerns about sustainability and waste.

Etsy, which acquired Depop in 2015, will retain a minority stake in the company. The deal is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close in the second half of 2022. The acquisition marks a significant exit for Etsy, which has been looking to focus on its core business of handmade and vintage items.

The two stories highlight the diverse range of issues and developments that are currently making headlines in the UK. While the potential lawsuit against the MoD raises important questions about fairness and equality, the acquisition of Depop by eBay marks a significant development in the e-commerce world. As the news continues to unfold, it will be interesting to see how these stories play out and what implications they may have for the UK and beyond.