Bravest of the brave, most generous of the generous, never had a country more faithful friends than you
Sir Ralph Turner MC, 3rd Queen Alexandra's Own Gurkha Rifles, 1931
If there was a minute's silence for every Gurkha casualty from World War II alone, we would have to keep quiet for two weeks
Gurkha Welfare Trust
I think this is a simply scandalous way to treat some of the most modest, brave and courageous individuals I have ever met
Nick Clegg, Lib Dem leader
Hundreds of retired Gurkhas have demonstrated in Westminster to demand the right to remain in the UK and pension equality with British soldiers. Fifty of the Nepalese soldiers have handed back their Long Service and Good Conduct medals in protest.
Gurkhas who retired after 1997 can automatically stay in the UK, but those who retired earlier must apply.
At prime minister's question time in the House of Commons earlier, Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg held up one of the Gurkhas' medals and demanded they be given equal pay and pension rights as well as the right to live in the UK.
Addressing Mr Brown, he asked: "Can you explain to the Gurkhas why on earth you believe that Gurkhas who served in the Army after 1997 are worthy of British citizenship but those who served before that date should be deported?"
Mr Brown responded by saying the Gurkhas did a "tremendous job" for Britain and that the UK government was the first to extend equal pay and pension rights to those serving since 1997. "Now why is the date 1997? It's the date that the Gurkhas - once based in Hong Kong - moved to be based in Britain," he added. "And that's why we are honouring the promises we made for the period after 1997."
Not good enough, Mr Brown.
The history of the Gurkhas is remarkable. Many Nepalese who join up are following a family tradition going back for several generations.
I believe ALL Gurkhas, regardless of their retirement date, should have the option of British or duel citizenship and residency for themselves and their immediate family, and equal pensions to that of other members of the armed forces.
rowtheboat
Bastards. That's what we are.