The new amendment was first proposed by Liberal Democrat peer Lord Sharkey. He called the government's decision today "a momentous day" for "thousands of families up and down the UK who have been campaigning on this issue for decades." In addition to the posthumous pardons, the Home Office has announced a new statutory pardon for the living. It will affect individuals who have successfully applied to the Home Office to have their criminal record cleared through the disregard process.

"It is hugely important that we pardon people convicted of historical sexual offences who would be innocent of any crime today," Justice Minister Sam Gyimah said. "Through pardons and the existing disregard process we will meet our manifesto commitment to put right these wrongs." Not everyone is happy with the decision, however. George Montague, who was convicted in 1974 of gross indecency with another man, told the BBC he wants an apology, not a pardon. A pardon, he argues, would cement the idea that he was once guilty. "If I get an apology, I will not need a pardon," he said.