In my youth I had the usual boy's interest in war and warfare.

Military history fascinated me - it still does - but the Brigade of Gurkhas truly captured my imagination.

First serving in the British Army as part of the East India Company, they have long been known as fierce, tenacious, loyal warriors, and have served Queen and country with distinction since 1817.

The British government's treatment of them has been, in my opinion, disgusting and entirely without excuse.

I witnessed a protest outside Parliament today as hundreds of Gurkhas, accompanied by Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg, drew attention to their plight.

Currently those who retired from the Army after 1997 may stay in the UK - those who retired before must apply to remain, with many being refused.

And those who retired post-'97 receive a normal pension, those pre-'97 receive a sixth of what a British soldier receives.

As I said, disgusting.

What struck me as I spoke with them was the quiet stoicism with which they bear this ill-treatment. This was no screaming mob, there was no baying for blood as with, for example, the Countryside Alliance demo against the ban on fox-hunting.

This was a very British demonstration of dignity despite the vicissitudes of life outside the armed forces. But their plight is such that many of them handed over medals won for bravery and long service to be returned to the Prime Minister; a hugely significant act for these proud soldiers.

One retired Gurkha commanding officer remarked: "These are the bravest men I've ever met".

That puts me in mind of the inscription on the statue of The Gurkha Soldier, just a few hundred yards down Whitehall from today's protest:

Bravest of the brave, most generous of the generous, never had country more faithful friends than you.

As Nick Clegg said to me, our treatment of these men has been "a national disgrace" - and it brings shame on us all.

Comments

[kev derbyshire 2 Jun 2008 14:16:07]

Loyality integrety and fearless courage for the british army and what do we do reward as little as possible

[KinranKumar 10 Apr 2008 13:59:27]

The public may be in an illusion that the Currently serving members of the Brigade of Gurkhas have equal Pension with their British Counterparts. This is untrue! i am a serving member of the Brigade, i joined in 1991 and i will serve untill 2013 which will be 22 years of colour service. Under the current provision the service before 1997 (91-97) will not be counted in full. so when i retire on 2013 i will only be given the pension of 17 years, which in reality is 22 years. the cut off date of 1997 is baseless, there is no strong reasonig behind drawing this line.

[Daniel Hong Kong 28 Mar 2008 16:10:51]

It is true that the Britsh colony "Hong Kong" was handed over to China In july 1997 and it is a shameful for British Government to say Gurkha's base was handed over to China. In other word, British Gurkhas or British Army was never heded over to China. Gurkhas were sent to fight Falkland war from Hong Kong and Gurkhas were also sent to fight Iraq war from UK before 1997. Moreover Gorkhas fought the battle in many parts of the world for British Government and they were not only hired to protect Hong Kong from China. So using 1997 as an artificial cut-off date to separate Britsh Gurkhas to avoide paying equal pension is a clear illusion by British Government.

[Daniel 28 Mar 2008 16:00:36]

It is true that the Britsh colony "Hong Kong" was handed over to China In july 1997 and it is a shameful for British Government to say Gurkha's base was handed over to China. In other word, British Gurkhas or British Army was never heded over to China. Gurkhas were sent to fight Falkland war from Hong Kong and Gurkhas were also sent to fight Iraq war from UK before 1997. Moreover Gorkhas fought the battle in many parts of the world for British Government and they were not only hired to protect Hong Kong from China. So using 1997 as an artificial cut-off date to separate Britsh Gurkhas to avoide paying equal pension is a clear illusion by British Government.

[Bruce Hulmes 26 Mar 2008 09:09:53]

Niether/niether.There is also a third party involved, India who also recruits Napelese soldiers so they also have a vested interest in keeping pay low.Further to my comment on this government prefering East European criminals to Gurkhas, I see a Serb National with a Brirish passport has been arrested for war crimes. Those who are criminals and have no contact with this country form a queue to the left, your passport is on its way. Those who have served this country sod of you fools.
You could not make it up, could you!!.

[neither/niether 25 Mar 2008 17:12:53]

Bruce
A great post! you make a good point that possibly, many of us were unaware of, that not just this country but the Napalise did not wan't them to have equal pay.
Any! present goverment should not be allowed to use that nowdays, as an excuse for not treating them fairly.
Unfortunatly many people such as myself, are ignorant of the history between the Gurkhas and the British army.
What we all have in common though is reconising a great injustice...

[david batten leominster UK 24 Mar 2008 22:29:06]

disgusting that this is happening to these brave people.Anyone who serves queen and country should automatically be given full UK citizenship. Politicians use the brave men and women of our services for cheap photo shoots, I despise them for that. It's time to do what's right...

[CHRIS STOCKPORT 23 Mar 2008 00:39:45]

Ghurkhas

have long fought fearlessly for the british in many campaigns. These distingished fighters are renowned for their loyalty,revered by all other members of the Britsh
Forces by their bravery.

Pay them what they deserve, paying our MP's what the are worth should leave plenty of budget.

Honor is something that Ghurkhas are about.

the lumps in government are sadly lacking.

[Bruce Hulmes 22 Mar 2008 18:06:25]

This country and especially this governemnt treats all its servicemen and women with equall distain, not just the Gurkhas.Just look at the way they collectively bend over backwards within the Labour party to hang out British soldiers under the smallest of alligations just to
please the foreign press and governemts and to prove a point on how fair they are on the world stage.
The pay and conditions under which the Gurkha soldiers serve was agreed with our governments and the Nepaleses government. Both governments actually care little for their troops, they are just there to be used when required and then put back into barracks. The British Governemnt got first class soldiers on cheap, but the Napelese government did not wish to have the Gurkha paid on equal ranking as the British soldier, due to the difference in living costs between the UK and Nepal, they did not want peasants returning home to the mountains with more buying power and finacial freedom then their own ruling class.
But now that the Gurkha regiments are stationed in the UK the Gurkha can see the difference in living standards and like the rest of the third world wants to have taste of it.
But what valid arguement can the government have for not allowing these men and their families to settle here, when you consider that under New Labour all the low life of the plant has been made welcome here. We have a government who protects foreign terrorist and allows East European criminals to just walk in, but then is more then willing to place barriers to real genuine claiments with connections to this country. The men who make it past selection for entry into a Gurkha regiment are some of the best any country could produce.
From my own personel experience in the Falklands, the Agentine forces did not relish facing British troops but they were terrified of the Gurkhas, I would never welcome many of our latest wave of immigrants into my home, but there would always be a welcome for a serving or ex-serving Gurkha, "Ho" And I would never welcome one of our politicians into my home either.

[Neil Armstrong, Lochwinnoch 22 Mar 2008 09:21:41]

Like most of the previous contributors I'm disgusted by the treatment of these fine men who have given so much. Anyone who knows them will appreciate that the return of decorations is far more than the token gesture often resorted to by less dignified persons to simply obtain publicity.

Whilst in agreement with so many of the sentiments already posted, I would ask that we do not allow this issue to be degenerated into some form of party political debate - the Gurkhas have served our country with distinction under governments of every party. Let us rather focus on securing the fair treatment they deserve.

To the many previous contributors who clearly share my sentiments on this issue, thank you for taking the time to post your comments.

[JOHN B. PORTSMOUTH 21 Mar 2008 21:28:27]

LETS FORGET WHAT PAST GOVERNMENTS HAVE OR HAVE NOT DONE FOR THE GURKHAS, THE CURRENT ONE SHOULD GIVE THEM FULL PENSIONS AND LET THEM LIVE HERE. THIS GOVERNMENT HAS LET IN ALL AND SUNDRY,MOST OF THOSE THAT COME HERE LEGALLY OR NOT ARE HERE FOR THE MONEY AND HANDOUTS. LET THEM IN AND GIVE THEM FULL PENSIONS - WITH NEW LABOUR IN -DONT HOLD YOU BREATH. PS I SERVED WITH THE GURKHAS IN HONG KONG FOR 2 YEARS.

[Jim, Sevenoaks 21 Mar 2008 21:02:21]

The apalling way the British government is treating these brave men makes me ashamed to be British. I can imagine a dull civil servant sitting in a lonely office having no idea whatsoever as to the sacrifices being that have been and continue to be made by the Gurkha regiment! Lets hope this gets sorted out.

[chirag, Plymouth 21 Mar 2008 18:44:34]

Being recruited in British-Gurkha is like a tradition for our race. My grandfather was a gurkha during WW-II and my dad has served in the Queen's Gurkha Engineer for 16 years.
Our ancestors have done much more for this country than any average british citizen will do now. But still why are we treated so inferior?
If are we good enough to die for this country why aren't we good enough to live peacefully in this country?

*Disappointing.....

[Victor, NW Kent 21 Mar 2008 18:35:39]

How thick can people get?
We had English Ministers running the Country for all of the last Century. Nothing was done until a SCOTS! chancellor of the exchequer decided to alter thing.

Posted by: Jim Mcleod 21 Mar 2008 17:17:46

Short on facts and long on insults like most Labloggers. In the past 100 years There have been 6 Scottish Prime Ministers and one Welshman, They held their posts for a total of 30 years. Campbell-Bannerman, Lloyd George, Bonar Law, Ramsay MacDonald, Douglas-Home, Blair, Brown.

[dave warkwickshire 21 Mar 2008 17:54:38]

We owe a lot to these brave men and women like others before them but as pointed out we have ignored reality and let our borders become flooded with imagrants that we dont question but the gurkas who have served this country for many years are denied status so to all the mps of great britain you ought to ashamed of yourselve

[Jim Mcleod 21 Mar 2008 17:17:46]

if we had english ministers running the country may be the ghurkas would not be in the situation they are in now.t millard epsom 21 Mar 2008 15:54:39

How thick can people get?
We had English Ministers running the Country for all of the last Century. Nothing was done until a SCOTS! chancellor of the exchequer decided to alter thing.

[t millard epsom 21 Mar 2008 15:54:39]

if we had english ministers running the country may be the ghurkas would not be in the situation they are in now.
ask any soldier who he would sooner have fighting alongside him.
its about time this so could rabble of a government started to listen to the people not their wallets
a disgusted english man.

[David Bryan 21 Mar 2008 13:56:02]

Will these Whitehall witless wonders ever learn that the freedom we enjoy has been very hard won. These men paid the same price and were paid on the cheap. Stop this mean mindedness, stand up and look these brave people in the eye and admit that they have more than EARNED the justice that they seek. They absolutely should not have to be asking for it. Before after 1997? I ask you, it's pathetic. Shame on us all for allowing such a betrayal of honour.

[Jim Mcleod 21 Mar 2008 13:40:16]

I would respectfully suggest that your view represents a very, very small minority of the U.K.'s population.

Posted by: Merv. Beszant, Dubai 21 Mar 2008 11:05:45

99.9% of the people would agree with you on that.
I heartily second your opinion.

[neither/niether 21 Mar 2008 13:32:21]

We all have political leanings to one party or another, but sometimes they have to be put to one side. All parties have been guilty of treating the Gurkhas unfairly in the past, now is the time for all politicians to stand together, and put right, the wrongs, done to these dependable and brave military personel. My father said that he would always prefered to have had a Gurkha by his side or protecting his back. He also stated that was the general feeling amongst british soldiers. There is no way this goverment, can't correct injustices done by past goverments, in not granting them residency, housing, equal pay, and pension rights, NOW! and immediate backdated payments should it be justified. Many of these brave men serve this country to sent home what little money they can. It appeares past goverments have used this as a weapon in not giving them equal rights. It should not be frowned upon it should be encouraged! Brown has to act now.... not wait until another commitee is set up.

[Merv. Beszant, Dubai 21 Mar 2008 11:05:45]

dougR.,
The reason the Army is under manned is because not enough people want to be soldiers, so I have to ask you where you feel British citizens will be recruited from to replace the Gurkhas, and I would respectfully suggest that your view represents a very, very small minority of the U.K.'s population.

[Peter Chuah, Birmingham 21 Mar 2008 10:39:29]

Why do we STILL need to recruit hundreds of foreign workers every year into the British Army though? This meant allowing Gurkus (like all economic migrants) and their family members (amounting to thousands every year) the right to remain in UK forever.

[Robert South Wales 20 Mar 2008 21:57:29]

I feel so ashamed to belong to this country.
The government is OBSESSED with money/finances.
Open the flood gates for Europeans Muslims or illegals but nothing for a country who warriors have fought for the now shamed Union " and I use this term lightly" Jack

[dougR 20 Mar 2008 21:51:30]

The Gurkas were aware of the pay and conditions before they took the job. Where is the disgrace? They should be grateful for the opporuninity and choice to be payed by the british tax payer. We should thank them for doing a good job but that doesn't need to include a big tip. If the Gurkas demand equal pay and conditions then we should give the jobs to the british.

[Jim Mcleod 20 Mar 2008 10:26:09]

i am a daugter of a Gurkha officer who has served for the queen for 33 years. iam very disgusted and shameful of the way my dad and other gurkha officers has been treated by the british government. They are the bravest of the brave especially the veternas who most of them still live in rural parts of Nepal without basic needs. we need support from local people like you all and i want to sincerely thank you all who have shown their support towards our fight..

Posted by: Kabita Gurung 19 Mar 2008 21:50:53

You have the full support the length and breadth of the UK from ALL of the citizens.
Lands End to John O'Groats, do not despair we will get there in the end, too much goodwill towards the Ghurka to fail, be patient!

[Merv. Beszant, Dubai 20 Mar 2008 10:16:05]

How can politicians get so many decisions so dreadfully wrong, when we vote for them in the belief that they will run our country in the manner with which most of us run our own lives, which involves decency, honesty and pride.
Oh for a benevolent dictator!

[Jim Mcleod 20 Mar 2008 10:14:50]

Then you should be applauding efforts to obtain equal pensions and residence for retired Gurkhas, not trying to make political points out of efforts on their behalf.

Posted by: Victor, NW Kent 19 Mar 2008 22:57:18

Victor if you took the trouble to look back on what I have written you will see I have done that.
It still does not excuse the Tory position for all of the last Century.
Or AAMF their position now, which they ought to hang their heads in shame about, as does Labour.
Labour to their credit have done something although not enough the Tories sweet fanny adams as I said.
All the Tories have doen is give the Ghurka's the soldiers farewell. GBABY or Goodbye and you know the rest!

[Terry Follett, West Africa 20 Mar 2008 07:29:23]

The manner in which ghurkhas are being treated is disgraceful but sadly predictable.They are a proud people, fierce in battle but passive in nature, we owe them a debt and we should honour them. Gordon Brown recently said " we should return to good old british values ".Unfortunately they disappeared with my parents generation and Enoch Powell.Now, we have no idea who is in this country and no controls.We are too fearful of the international community and intimdated by pressure groups/activists to enforce restrictions on immigration and indeed expel undesirable foreigners and revoke british citizenship. This government has created a safe haven for criminal gangs and foreigners who are the greatest exponents of BENEFIT FRAUD, freely and generously given in the name of human/civil rights!
Gurkhas like most Brits ( who are able)would gladly leave the UK to its obvious fate !

[Elizabeth Davies Cape Town 20 Mar 2008 05:05:53]

Sad day for Britain when someone who has fought for Queen and country is shown the door!

[Dodgy, Sussex 20 Mar 2008 01:53:40]

As with all of the armed services the government has once again **** on them, but what especially niggles is the fact that these brave men are fighting for a country that technically is not theirs but are willing to lay down their lives for us. If they wish to settle here after their service then they should be allowed to with every piece of help the government and local departments can offer. I am sure that us the working public would not begrudge our taxes being used in this way compared to the animosity of the other so called "asylum seekers".

[Clifford Ohio, USA 20 Mar 2008 00:38:19]

Please send those brave souls here to the states. We will send you some Mexicans. Too many stupid politicians everywhere.

[Irene Robinson, Kent, England 20 Mar 2008 00:33:16]

I cannot believe that the British Government can treat the Gurkas with such disrespect. Is there nothing we can do?, I am right there behind anyone who can come up with something.
We cannot turn our backs on these brave people that have helped us have the freedom and quality of life that we enjoy.

[Helen, Northumberland 20 Mar 2008 00:27:29]

I think it is disgusting to treat Gurkhas in this way. I consider the Gurkhas to be very much part of the British Army and I am very proud of them. It infuriates me that this government will allow all manner of scroungers to enter this country, even paying for their children who live in another country - and they treat hardworking loyal soldiers, who have fought for this country in this shabby way. I will not be voting for this government again (I did last time) unless they reverse this ridiculous decision.

[Victor, NW Kent 19 Mar 2008 22:57:18]

No old Man, I was regular for 6 years.
Do not play the old soldier with me it does not work.

Posted by: Jim Mcleod 19 Mar 2008 20:13:47

Then you should be applauding efforts to obtain equal pensions and residence for retired Gurkhas, not trying to make political points out of efforts on their behalf.

[casparl , Cambs 19 Mar 2008 22:40:09]

I want to thank the Gurkhas for their dedication and service to Britain and I want to apologise for the way they are being treated by Britain.

I hope that they get the opportunity to read some of these comments and therefore know that many of the British public hold them in the highest regard and are appalled that our government is not giving them what they should be entitled to. The Gurkhas should be treated with respect and dignity, they have truly earned this honour. They have laid their life on the line for Britain and as such should be given the opportunity to live in the very country they fought for. They should reap rewards over and above the medals they are relinquishing and be entitled to full pensions, free healthcare and housing. I wish you all the best of luck in your campaign and protest for your well deserved rights, please be assured that the majority of the British public support each and everyone of you!

[Linda Lancaster 19 Mar 2008 22:28:38]

This is typical of the British Government. NOT looking after the military!

stop giving handouts to bleeding hearts and artists and look towards those who gallantly "SERVE" through their own choice.

GIVE THEM A PENSION THAT DOESN'T INSULT THEM!

[Kabita Gurung 19 Mar 2008 21:50:53]

i am a daugter of a Gurkha officer who has served for the queen for 33 years. iam very disgusted and shameful of the way my dad and other gurkha officers has been treated by the british government. They are the bravest of the brave especially the veternas who most of them still live in rural parts of Nepal without basic needs. we need support from local people like you all and i want to sincerely thank you all who have shown their support towards our fight..

[Terri O'Neill 19 Mar 2008 21:45:33]

It saddens me when I hear how the Gurkha has been treated by the country it has protected for many years.
I think this government should hang their heads in shame. I have many Ex-Gurkha's as friends they don't rely on state handouts. Like others do.They are very loyal and honest harding working people. For them to be treated like this I'm ashamed to be british. For these people to be driven to hand the medals back which they earned with blood and sweat for us to live. I hope this government can sleep at night when the brave soul are being hounded out of this country.

[Stephen Hanna 19 Mar 2008 21:27:24]

My comment is brief.If this country and in particular,present Government sends our troops into battle without due care for their welfare.What chance do these admirable and staunch have in their modest requests.
Gurkhas,I am so ashamed.

[J Kowal, Leicester 19 Mar 2008 21:26:45]

My Grandfather Fought along side the Gurkhas during WWII, and always said that they were the bravest people that he served with. He would be horrified at the way they have been betrayed by this goverment after all they have done for this Country.

[DUNCAN.........NOTTINGHAM 19 Mar 2008 21:24:55]

what difference does it make if it was labour or conservative in power at what ever time period? the fact remains that this government and the powers that be should be ashamed to say the least at this move, i for one feel ashamed that i am british the gurkhas fought for this country, is that not enough?

[Jim Mcleod 19 Mar 2008 20:13:47]

but then I suppose like most Labloggers you never did any form of National Service.

Posted by: Victor, NW Kent 19 Mar 2008 18:45:00

No old Man, I was regular for 6 years.
Do not play the old soldier with me it does not work.

[Paul, London 19 Mar 2008 19:45:24]

It's because they can, it is much harder to deny citenship to those who come here illegally and contribute nothing and take all.
It sums up our politicians, they tax and take benefits from those they know about, those who play by the rules, but do nothing about the ones who play the system.

[Victor, NW Kent 19 Mar 2008 18:45:00]

Jim McLeod

My arithmetic tells me that that 1945 and the years of Labour power were in the last century and also in the last 100 years if you wish to split hairs. The matter could hardly have arisen 100 years ago as hardly anyone had a state pension at that time and Gurkhas had no motivation to settle in Britain [but if they wished to it was allowed.

It is pure arrogance in debate to attempt to restrict an opponent's reply to your own narrow terms. It is unfortunate that you chose to attempt to make a political point out of a matter that should be in universal agreement but then I suppose like most Labloggers you never did any form of National Service.

[Jim Mcleod 19 Mar 2008 17:51:29]

Labour has had some 28 years in power since the end of WWII -Victor, NW Kent 19 Mar 2008 17:16:00

I did say the last Century now do the arithmetic. Nice worm out though, good try.
The Ghurkas served this Country well for even more than one Century.
Look at the years Tory was in power compared to Labour.

[Danny Essex 19 Mar 2008 17:19:22]

It saddens me when I hear how the Gurkha has been treated by the country it has protected for many years.

I have and will always consider these brave men to be my brothers, they have done more for my country then I ever possibily could.

[Victor, NW Kent 19 Mar 2008 17:16:00]

Jim McLeod

Labour has had some 28 years in power since the end of WWII - more than adequate time to correct any Conservative deficiency about Gurkha pensions.

It is time to stop blaming the Conservatives for everything - Labour has been there since May of 1997 - please remember that. It is too convenient for Labloggers to answer all faults in their own elected government by pointing out problems from years ago. I could point out the Winter of Discontent, the huge brain-drain caused by the Attlee government's punitive super-tax and a hundred other matters.

None of that helps us in any way to deal with the year 2008 - the world is not a static place, it changes every year so. Even the conditions of 2007 are not mirrored today.

[Merv. Beszant, Dubai 19 Mar 2008 17:09:19]

Niall,
Your write up says it all, and the disgraceful manner with which politicians treat our Armed Forces is absolutely unforgivable, especially when you consider that they are the finest trained, and most dedicated, men and women in the world.

[big vern watford 19 Mar 2008 17:03:26]

as an ex royal marine this about sums up what the idiots in power are about.these men are some of the best soldiers in the world and i would fight side by side with any of them.but the people in power have a warped view and dont live in the real world.but do nothing for this country and these idoits in power will put you on top of the housing list give you money i.e east europeans,africans and any tom ,dick or harry.but fight for your country and you get s*** on from a great height.roll on the revolution?

[m greenwood derbyshire 19 Mar 2008 17:03:02]

i served with gurkhas in malaysia
borneo and indonesia in the 60s
thank you for the pleasure and honour
brown you are a disgrage to our country

[Jim Mcleod 19 Mar 2008 16:14:57]

A year ago, Derek Twigg, at that time a junior minister in the MOD announced that Gurkha pensions would be equalised.

It is news to me that only applies to those who went on pension after New Labour came into power, 1997.
Victor, NW Kent 19 Mar 2008 11:40:36

Yes Victor, but your beloved Tories who were longest in power during the last century done sweet fanny adams about the welfare , pensions and citizenship status of the Ghurka's from the end of WW2 up until this present day.
They take the governments stance regarding these fine chaps.

[Dave Bristol 19 Mar 2008 16:11:00]

The influx of imigrants in to the country who claim benefits is huge and they have never done anything in a majority of cases to support this country. The Gurghas deserve much more than they get they have served this country well we should give them everything a UK soldier deserves once their service has come to an end. they have fought bravely for us and we(our government do nithing for them)

[Jon, cephalonia, greece 19 Mar 2008 15:45:37]

Why is it that some people can walk into Britain stright out of a container lorry at Dover, and be handed BENEFITS, BENEFITS, and more BENEFITS?

The Gurkhas have fought side by side our troops since 1815, and for what? To be treated in such a disrespectful manor. Britain has been taking in Immergrants hand over fist for God know's how many years now. Refugees from Afghanistan who as the Taliban kill British soldiers, are now claiming every kind of DSS payment under the sun. Eastern European Gangsters bringing Drugs, People Traffing, etc to the streets you live on.

Yet when the poor old Gurkhas ask for a fair deal, the fairness they have earned time and time again. They are dismissed by our MP's like they are nothing.

It is yet another shameful act by a embarising goverment. The country must be the laughing stock of the world. There is no GREAT in Britain anymore, not when a group of people, who have given their lives for this country only to turn them away for asking for their just due's.

I have no pride in this country, how can anyone have pride in it, when they treat the people who matter so badly, only to help those who want to sponge.

[mel, hampton 19 Mar 2008 15:31:19]

of course the gurkhas should be entitled to citizenship. they fight for and with the british. what is going on?

[Tim Baldwin, Frantiskovy Lazne, Czech Republic 19 Mar 2008 15:13:59]

As an Ex member of HM Forces, serving with the Royal Signals for a little over 10 years I can say that any time spent with the Gurkha's was much looked forward to. You will never find a more dedicated and professional soldier in the British Army and as such ALL Gurkha's, young and old should be given recognition for their service to this country. Yes, they should all be granted leave to stay in the UK and their pension brought into line with the modern day rates also if they so wish bring their families with them. The Gurkha nation are an extremely proud and honourable race to which we owe a great deal.

[Tony Condos, Spain 19 Mar 2008 15:06:10]

I think it is perfectly satisfactory that the Ghurkhas should be kicked in the ‘privates’ by the UK establishment. It is politically correct after all to deny benefits to people who have dedicated themselves to the country, people who pay their taxes, who go war, who have been maimed and, people who put up with the sheer pontificating of idiotic politicians. If Mrs Mills can claim 24 mill plus plus, surely a few people who have served the UK for 200 years are owed something.
God … it makes me so mad!

[Baz Gurkha, Watford 19 Mar 2008 14:53:10]

Thank you all for the kind word. I was there and we know you all feel for us!

[Tony Ex RN, Leicester 19 Mar 2008 14:25:20]

It is a disgrace not only of this government but also pass governments on the treatment of these brave men. These guys have spilt their blood for this country over the past 200 years, what more do they need to do to be treated equally. We readily accept illegal immigrants and provide them with benefits including housing and all they do is put a drain on the economy. This is just typical of the treatment that our armed forces receive in recognition for serving their country and common wealth.

[Khalid 19 Mar 2008 14:03:57]

Niall
With all due repsect to the diligence and drive of the Ghurkha', it does not befit the moment of their demo to adandon their medals, as in defence of PM Brown it was not his decision to curtail citizenship. Today, it was announced that after 4 years service they have the right to stay within the UK, alongside other such benefits, however, if they only have Neil Clegg to rely upon, then I would take my medal back, and wear it with [Pride]. So, have a great day, [U2] and the whole house will give you what you truly deserve!

[Les Clive, Spain 19 Mar 2008 14:00:25]

Only UK MP's could manage to allow something like this to continue. The country has gone down the toilet thanks to them, but can they see it? Of course not.
Giving the Gurkhas what they want is natural justice and long overdue....the rules need to be changed without delay, and then some chinless wonder can step forward and claim they had been planning to do it all along!

[Sylvia, Spain 19 Mar 2008 13:41:49]

The Gurkhas haved served the UK, without question, for 200 years. They have never asked for anything from us except this and what do we do? Say sorry your'e not eligible. But if you are an illegal immigrant / asylum seeker we'll be happy to give you everything you want and you don't have to do anything for it. Just sit on your backside oh and bring the family over why don't you!!! I agree with everyone on this site I'm ashamed to be british and as for the government - they just want to line their own pockets and think the british people are stupid. Time will tell.

[Pete Scotland 19 Mar 2008 13:08:12]

It's an absolute disgrace that these soldiers who fought for our quenn and country are being treated like this. We'd much rather welcome asylum seekers into our "great" nation and provide them with a council house, free medical treatment, and a gyro before honouring these brave soldiers. This country is truly backwards!

[Robert, Scotland 19 Mar 2008 13:06:32]

This dreadful treatment of the Ghurkas sums up this Governments contempt for all our Armed Forces. They send them to war without the proper life-saving equipment or properly armed to defend themselves. Then if they are injured they do not give them the best medical help, be the injury physical or mental when they get home.
Should they get killed no subsequent inquest is to make any criticism of the Governments failure to meet the covenant decent society demands as due to those who fight for their Country.
The accomodation they are given to live in with their families makes a run-down Council Estate look "des res".
You the Media must accept a large part of the blame for this squalid development think of all the print that went into covering Prince Harry's sojourn into Afghanistan, then reflect ; this story on the plight of the Ghurkas will be lucky to last beyond to-morrow's headlines.

[Sid in Gateshead 19 Mar 2008 13:02:22]

It is common knowledge that our armed forces are under strength.It doesn't take a genious to work out why.
We treat our men and women in the services disgracefully.
The Ghurkas seem to have been singled out for extra punishment. Shame on this government.

[Dal Sumal, London 19 Mar 2008 13:00:59]

A National Disgrace....This Government has shown it is not fit to Govern and should hang their heads in shame. They will happily line their own pockets with £22k worth of allowances but are not willing to reward those brave souls that have fought for Queen and Country..Diabolical. Gordon Brown this will be, yet another nail in your coffin of leadership

[Victoria Dubai 19 Mar 2008 12:43:56]

I have just emigrated the Uk to Dubai and while i was aware of Gurkas i did not fully understand their role. I have had plenty of time on my hand and read a book all about the history, bravery and undying loyaltys these regiments have provided the British and find it utterly disgraceful at the way we are treating them. The are war vetrans and should be treated with the highest of respect. Another case that shows our goverment has lost the plot on how to gain the respect and loyality of its country!!

[Peter / Portsmouth 19 Mar 2008 12:38:44]

This is a national disgrace, so many who have no loyalty get so much and yet those who are willing to give the ultimate sacrifice get nothing. I am ashamed to be British.

[wendy coleman 19 Mar 2008 12:31:45]

Tell me...why do we allow immigrants into this country who have no loyalty at all to us,(in fact many have just the opposite) yet we cannot alow these brave and loyal men to stay?

[Brian Wilson Scotland 19 Mar 2008 12:18:06]

so let me get this straight, a Gurkha can fight for Queen and Country but cannot settle nor be financially rewarded for his effort, yet an Eastern Eurpoean can waltz into the UK, get a home, all kinds of benefits and contribute ZERO to society. Why are we called GREAT Britain? I am honestly ashamed to admit my nationality at the moment,

[carol-ann liverpool 19 Mar 2008 12:17:49]

Party Politics aside,

I have to agree with much of what you have said on this subject, Niall.

I have long pointed out on many of the blogs I have been on, over the last five or six years the poor treatment of our troops, in general, as compared to American service-men and women.

The Gurkhas have a fond place in the memories of many people

When I was a child my grandmother and my grandfather (who served in World War One) often praised the Gurkhas as did my aunt and uncles who served in the airforce, navy and army in World War Two.
(Although all did active service we were lucky to only have lost one of them as many parents lost all their children.
'Lest We Forget'
my grandparents left me with a lifelong respect for those who defend us and fight on our behalf. I hate war, I am anti-war but, that does not mean I cannot praise and admire those who serve.

Although I think the technical issue re the Gurkhas who used to be based in Hong Kong prior to 1997 - however, I believe this is one of those cases where the rules could be 'bent' for a really good cause as a one off and perhaps the Hong Kong government could also put funds towards supporting the Gurkhas.

[sheepdip 19 Mar 2008 12:03:33]

The only baying for blood and screaming mob present at the Countryside rallies was from the anti hunt lot.

[Val Leighton Buzzard 19 Mar 2008 12:01:07]

Why not let the Gurkhas stay and become Police Officers on the beat at least it would keep unruly behaviour down.

[Nannieval - Leighton Buzzard 19 Mar 2008 11:59:32]

This is totally disgusting. What would we have done without the Gurkas who have fought so hard for our Country. To be honest I am ashamed to be British I feel as though this Country isn't ours any longer, and the jobsworth in Parliament have a lot to answer for. I for one won't be voting at the next election, unless they let the Gurkhas stay. If god forbid there is another war then they won't want to help us.

[Freda, Bath 19 Mar 2008 11:52:56]

Disgusting....about time this government and McBottler did something right.

[Victor, NW Kent 19 Mar 2008 11:40:36]

A year ago, Derek Twigg, at that time a junior minister in the MOD announced that Gurkha pensions would be equalised.

It is news to me that only applies to those who went on pension after New Labour came into power, 1997.

This is a national disgrace. The question of residence is also disgraceful, with 1997 again being a cut-off date.

I have served with Gurkhas - long ago. They were exemplary soldiers and I am sure they would be fine citizens of the UK.