A defence minister apologised yesterday as it emerged that Catholic chaplains in the armed forces broke the confidentiality of confession to “out” gay and lesbian personnel to the authorities.

The result was that they could have been dismissed and humiliated, according to campaigners. Private conversations between service members and chaplains from the Church of England were also relayed to military bosses.

Johnny Mercer, a defence minister, said: “Our policy regarding LGB members in the military was unacceptable then, and as a defence minister, I personally apologise for those experiences. Pastoral encounters between service chaplains and personnel should be strictly confidential.”

He made the apology after campaigners gave detailed accounts to The Sunday Times last week ahead of the anniversary of the lifting of the ban