Gurkha Justice Campaign: Reader Comments [Updated]

Many messages of support have come in for the Gurkha justice campaign and demonstration held in Westminster on 19th March. If you would like to have your say too, visit http://tinyurl.com/2dtbyn or email mail@shepwaylibdems.org.uk - we will publish a selection of comments submitted.

R Boyd says:

"I worked in Iraq for two years and was protected by Ex Gurkha security guards. The majority of these served with the Gurkhas before 1997. They risked their lives every day to protect me and never complained.

"These Gurkhas were employed by and still are employed by a British Security Company based in London.

"It seems a great pity that these men who have always been loyal to the Crown are not allowed to become British Citizens. However, to this day they are allowed to get killed while protecting British Subjects while working for a British Company in Iraq.

"I think it is about time this situation was rectified.

"Considering the amount of asylum seekers we do allow into our country, who are really looking for a better life more than the possibility of being harmed in their own country. Yet manage to manipulate the system. Let us have a bit of Common Sense on this matter."

P Evans MBE (32 Years RN service) says:

"The issue of unfairness regarding citizenship and pension for this wonderful set of people, is absolutely typical of this unelected bunch of idiots they call our leaders. Nothing seems to make sense with their decision making any more, and this is just no surprise.

"How can we say no in any direction to these fantastic Gurkhas who have pledged their allegiance to this country in battle? Gordon and Alistair the puppet are purely looking at the purse strings, nothing else. Why don't we control immigration lot more and stop handing out ridiculous amounts to ridiculous cases (murderers, thieves, hijackers), then we can afford to repay the Gurkhas for what they have done for us.

"Get real Mr Unelected Brown. I cannot wait for the next General Election, he will be gone."

D Goodall (Ex-regular, Coldstream Guards) says:

"I would like to offer full support for the Gurkhas retired or not. I served in the Coldstream Guards and we had Gurkhas with us on active service. Its time the PM and Blair got themselves sorted out. they are a fantastic regiment and so is ours.

"Its no good brown and his cronies going out to see what is going off for the odd hour get a life and get out there for a week or two. Prince Harry and William had the guts to go. Where is blairs son we don't hear nothing of him???? The Labour party have ruined our forces, it is unbelievable that service lads are coming back shot up no legs, arms blinded etc etc then they are just thrown on the scrap heap no help or nothing drug addicts and wasters get far better help. What a country you are running??"

C Styles says:

"The Gurkhas fought for this country so let them have the right to stay here."

L Smith says:

"My late father fought in Burma - only a couple survived from his company and they were helped by the Gurkhas. These men have saved so many of our troops lives in every engagement they have been in. It is a total disgrace that they are not being allowed to stay in this country if that is their wish. My mother also has strong views and believes it shames our country - indeed I haven't met anyone who doesn't!"

S Shaw says:

"What kind of sadistic apathetic slimy government would refuse to shell out a few quid to come to the honest aid of brave souls who fought and died in the service of the Crown...I can't think of verbage severe enough to criticize. Giving refuge and support to a paedophile and turning away honourable soldiers...it makes my stomach churn."

E McIntosh says:

"Since coming to power..this British government has lied to the people about everything... and achieved nothing but chaos.

"Brown is set to continue the stupidity that Blair made his own.

Be fair to the Gurkhas... give them what they are deserving of ...you decadent politicians."

C Mercan says:

"Well done Nick.

"Why haven't you involved the British Legion, the RAF association and the Royal Naval Association after all these Gurkhas are our comrades. Why haven't you mobilised the thousands and thousands of ex service men who look at these warriors in awe! He who fights with me this day is my brother! Shakespeare. NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My brother deserves to live with me!!!!!!!!!!!"

M Buchanan-Smith says:

"I served 5 years in the army & fought in the Gulf War in 1991, I am proud of my country. BUT I am totally ashamed of my country, that ex-Gurkhas who served before 1997 are not allowed to live in this country. Please persist with this campaign, they deserve the right!!!!!!"

E Buchanan-Smith says:

"Please help the Gurkhas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

K Sayer says:

"I am totally disgusted with the way our ex Gurkha soldiers are being treated by our government.

"I have always been very proud to be British, but at this moment in time I feel ashamed.

"These brave men have fought for our country and our government for many many years, and they deserve better treatment than this.

"Please lead the fight to get them justice."

K Perkins says:

"I would like to say how outraged and disgusted I am at the news that the British government is to deport the Gurkhas after all they have done for Britain ... laid down their lives etc and fought so hard for us. We owe these wonderful people so much and they have ALWAYS been treated in a disgusting and shameful manner! This is the final gross insult! It makes me most ashamed to admit to being a British subject in all honesty!"

Dr J Murray says:

"During my university studies I was fortunate enough to serve with the 10th Gurkha Rifles as an army officer cadet, from 1991-4.

"I worked alongside some of the finest, most decent, loyal, hard-working soldiers in the world. I always felt it was a great honour and a privilege to do so.

"If I met any of those soldiers again now I do not know what I would say to them. I feel ashamed of how my government - and by implication, my country - has treated them.

"I wish all those involved in this campaign the very best. Do not give up! Jai Gurkha!"

D Laverty says:

"I would like to register my protest at the way the Gurkha's have been treated. Men of this calibre are hard to find. It is a disgrace that this government should treat them in this way."

D Tomkinson says:

"I would like to register my unconditional support for these brave individuals.

"Anybody who has risked their lives, so that our generation can live a free life deserves to live as an equal to the British Soldiers they fought alongside."

R Hall says:

"I am very disappointed in the British Government in the way they treat the Gurkhas. They have fought alongside British troops for hundreds of years, and have continuously displayed their courageousness and valour. Yet the Government refuses to acknowledge them as British citizens. I personally would welcome them as a member of my community, far more so than any of the immigrants that seem to be prevalent in today's society, with their lack of English language, and their reluctance to embrace British culture and society. Why is it that these people are allowed to stay, yet those who so clearly deserve it have to protest to receive the rights that they so clearly deserve?

"It is such a shame that these people must feel the insult that the government has given them, when it is so easy for them to just say 'Yes you have fought with us, for us, you are one of us'. To allow it to escalate to this level is just retarded. How much of a dent would it put in their precious budget to just recognise these valiant soldiers as British Citizens?"

B & M Brazier says:

"We fail to understand how people that have served this country by fighting alongside British soldiers are being ignored. We are appalled by this governments actions in their failing to acknowledge the Gurkhas loyalty and dedication to the British Commonwealth and the Monarchy. What makes this matter worse is that we, as a nation, appear to open our gates to anyone else that fancies coming in, yet can turn a blind eye to a regiment that is rightfully entitled to it."

D Jeffcock says:

"Petition Brown!"

A Warren says:

"Well done for supporting the Gurkha's. I fail to understand why thousands of illegal immigrants have been granted permission to remain in the UK and gain British Citizenship when these brave people who are part of our Empire are not accepted. I live in Folkestone. I find these people amongst the most polite people I have ever met. They contribute to our society.

"As a former serviceman myself I know how loyal and brave they are, it deeply upset me to see them handing in their Long Service and Campaign Medals. I know how proud a soldier is of his medals.

"Perhaps the people of Folkestone should be rallied to give their support."

D Pinwill says:

"I can only say that I am utterly disgusted with this Governments attitude to any member, past or present, of the Gurkhas. After the sterling service that they have given to this country, they should not only be entitled to the same equal pay and pension rights as any British service man but also if they so choose, should be offered the chance of a British Passport and therefore the right to settle here.

"It seems to me that the Government is quite happy to allow any person from the Eastern block to settle here but throw up all sorts of reasons why the beloved Gurkhas should have to grovel and beg. This is totally and utterly wrong!!!"

Comments and views received and published are those of the contributors.