Gurkhas Descend on Westminster - Fair Play after 1997 so why not before?

11.25.00pm GMT Wed 19th Mar 2008

Gurkha protestors today at Parliament

Former Gurkha soldiers and their supporters from across the Country have been welcomed to Westminster today by Lib Dem Leader Nick Clegg. The Liberal Democrat leader pledged the Party's support to the Gurkha campaign for the right to settle in the UK for all Gurkha soldiers including those who retired before 1997.

Fifty of the Nepalese soldiers have handed back their Long Service and Good Conduct medals in protest at the difference in treatment of Gurkhas with other British soldiers, such as those from the Commonwealth. Gurkhas who retired after 1997 can automatically stay in the UK, but those who retired earlier must apply, and many have been refused and face deportation.

Nick Clegg later raised the issue in Prime Minister's Question Time in the House of Commons. Mr 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.

He asked Gordon Brown: "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?"

A bill has been launched in the House of Lords to try to change the law regarding the right for all Gurkhas to remain in the UK. Protesters are also calling for pension rules to be reformed in a similar way. Nick Clegg said:

"I think this is a simply scandalous way to treat some of the most modest, brave and courageous individuals I have ever met."

Gurkha Folkestone Town Councillor Dhan Gurung was unable to attend as he was in Nepal following the recent death of his father, but was instrumental in organising the protest. Long term Lib Dem Gurkha campaigner Peter Carroll was also one of the organisers of the demonstration. Addressing the demonstration, he told the hundreds of Gurkhas present to continue to fight, and that their cause was just. He said "This may not be the last time we are here, and we may have to fight together again. Sometimes a war is not won quickly, but as a series of battles."