Gurkha Justice: Its Time To Fully Deliver on Citizenship and Pensions

A meeting at the Gurkha Community Centre on Mackenzie Drive in Cheriton today head members of the Gurkha justice campaign outline some key outstanding areas of discrimination against ex-Gurkhas. The meeting was attended by many ex-Gurkhas, others from the Nepalese community, the Royal British Legion, local Lib Dem Councillors and other Liberal Democrats.

The meeting was opened by Folkestone Town Councillor Lib Dem Dhan Gurung, and chaired by Nepalese community leader Gopal Giri. Representatives from many of the main Gurkha organisations spoke, as well as a representative of the Cheriton Royal British Legion, Shepway Lib Dem Group Leader Lynne Carroll and well-known Gurkha justice campaigner Peter Carroll.

A number of key justice issues were raised:

• The GOTT deal being offered by the MOD for Gurkhas to transfer their pension to the British Army pension scheme is completely unfair and needs amendment. Years service before 1997 are counted as only worth between 23-36% of a full years service when calculating pension rights.
• Citizenship in the UK is still not being offered to Gurkhas who left the Army before 1997. This arbitrary cut-off means a number of ex-Gurkhas who want to become British citizens having served in the British Army for up to 30 years are refused leave to do so.

Speaking to the meeting, Peter Carroll said:

"The GOTT has got a huge injustice at its heart. Gurkhas everywhere need to really consider if they wish to accept it, but it would be my advice that you should not. It's completely unjust.

"We've also heard today from people who have fought for this country, but are still going through tribunals, appeals, and having to fight the system to be allowed to stay here, to become British citizens. Any soldier that has fought so bravely for this country should be welcome to stay. We need to see the cut-off date removed to end this injustice once and for all. No more generations should have to go through this pain.

"The Gurkhas have huge affection and support in this Country. People are hugely grateful for the contribution of the Gurkhas. We need to tell them about the remaining injustices, and to get them involved.

"Politically, the march last year proved there is huge support for the Gurkha cause from politicians of all Parties and none. We need to mobilise that support, and to tell them why we are still fighting. The Liberal Democrats are proud to have been a big part of that campaign over recent years, and we are committed to continue to work for justice. But we should look for the help and support of others as well - including MPs like Conservative Anne Widdecombe and Labour's Peter Kilfoyle who showed their support last year."