Ex-Gurkhas lose their battle to retire in the country they defended

04/07/2008

The two thousand Gurkha veterans who risked their lives for this country and retired before July 1st 1997 have been denied the right to live here in their old age, having lost an adjourned test appeal case.

More than 45,000 Gurkhas died defending British interests and our way of life in both World Wars, in Malaya, in Borneo, in the Falklands and in the first Gulf War – and more than 150,000 were injured. Lawyers acting for the Gurkha veterans say that, at most, 7,000 Gurkha veterans might want to live here - a drop in the ocean compared with the number of migrants and asylum seekers flooding into Britain.

Even worse, the Gurkha veterans who came to the UK to launch their appeals were crammed in one room, living off potatoes and handouts as a guest of bus driver Gyanraj Rai in Reading. Losing their appeal means many of these brave soldiers will now struggle  to live.

Lawyers for the men argued they had been treated unlawfully and unfairly, because those who enlisted before July 1997 but retired after had been denied equal pensions because their years of service up to that date were valued at only between 24% and 36% of British rates. They also said they were "saddened" by the judgment and intended to appeal.

It seems a shabby treatment for all those Gurkhas who fought and died in the service of the Crown for almost 200 years, winning 13 Victoria Crosses.

For more information visit the Gurkha's website, linked below. To respond to this story, email editorial@maturetimes.co.uk

 

 

YOU RESPOND

 

I am amazed how often this Government can shoot itself in the foot but they have done it again and I suppose will continue to do so until  they get the Sugar treatment - You're Fired "

 

Treating the Gurkhas with such contempt is a bloody disgrace and I do not apologise for the rhetoric.  It is a fairly typical of politicians response to their military and apparently more so with new Labour's brand of socialism to cast aside servicemen who have done so much for a country which isn't even their own, yet will allow all sorts - spongers, recalcitrants and villains from the fleshpots of Europe - not only refuge, housing and benefits but a welcome with open arms.

I don't know about the world going mad but this country certainly has. The lunatics are definitely running the asylum.

It's this kind of crass behaviour and self-serving politics which has made them so unpopular. I empathise with the Ghurka's dilemma and apologise to them for ever voting for such a mean spirited and pennypinching Government.

Thomas J Maxwell DFC

Devon (erstwhile Bomber Command WW2)

 

I was born in Chelsea SW3 and as a child used to go for a walk over Chelsea Bridge to Battersea on a Saturday afternoon. The then new bridge was a striking edifice, and one day we witnessed the Gurkha soldiers marching over the bridge the rhythm of their feet shaking the bridge. They looked terrifying to me but we knew that they were the finest, most fearless warriors in the world and it made me feel safer.
 
My husband served in India in REME which was responsible for building bridges and he always related stories to me about his experiences with Gurkhas. Here in England they have a shop full of fascinating items at reasonable prices and I purchase my Christmas presents from them.  I particularly recommend the calendar which is interestingly illustrated.
 
Cecilia Norman
London NW3

 

As an ex-service man may I offer my profound apologies for the mendacity and deceptiveness of the present and past Government.

 

Until there is a threat to their opulent life style, they will forget past service; at the onset of a threat they will promise anything to keep the status quo. The Gurkhas have served this country with pride and all the different governments have done is to devalue all the armed forces till they need them.

 

Once again to the Gurkhas, my gratitude for their past history and diligent service to this country and I hope they get justice.

 

Raymond Dunford