Back the New Gurkha Justice Petition

A new petition has been launched calling on the Prime Minister to give all Ex Gurkha soldiers and their families who have served our country British citizenship on leaving the service.

Currently, Gurkhas who retired from the British Army after 1997 can automatically stay in the UK, but those who retired earlier must apply, and many have been refused and face deportation. Pension rights for years served by Gurkhas before 1997 count at only around a quarter of the level of years served after that time.

In March 2008, fifty Nepalese soldiers 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.

You can back their protest by signing the NEW petition at the Downing Street web site now at http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/Gurkha-soldiers/