British MP lobbies for fair pensions for Gurkhas

WINCHESTER, July 4: Winchester MP Mark Oaten on Thursday pressed the British government to give Gurkhas who retired from the armed services prior to 1997 a fair deal on pensions so that the unfair difference between them and others they served with does not continue. [break]



A well documented campaign led by Joanna Lumley and the Liberal Democrats on the residency rights of those Gurkhas who retired prior to 1997 resulted in victory for the campaign after Gordon Brown suffered a Commons defeat to a Liberal Democrat motion.



However, the outstanding issue of Gurkha pensions continues with those who retired before 1997 only receiving a pension around one sixth of the pension a UK soldier with the same service receives, continuing the injustice of a two-tier pension structure in the armed forces.



While the government has finally accepted the public outrage over the treatment of Gurkhas residency rights the same argument should apply to the pension issue.



Mark met with the Gurkha group in Parliament on Tuesday who explained that they are not asking for this change to be made retrospectively, www.politics.co.uk reported. Rather, they would like to see equal pensions apply to Gurkhas and non-Gurkhas from 2010. According to calculations this is perfectly affordable and certainly not like the sums that the Government have speculated upon.



Mark has taken up the issue by writing to the Prime Minister and tabling Parliamentary Questions.



Mark Oaten commented: “I think everyone knows just how highly the Gurkhas are held by the British public. Their personal sacrifices to protect this country and their bravery has our respect and this should be reflected in the governments treatment of them.



“So while we all celebrate their recent victory we should not finish until the job is done and Gurkhas receive a fair pension reflecting their commitment and dedication to this country – no matter when they served or when they retired.



“Parliament voted down Government on this and the public made their views known. The Government should know that a fair pension should follow – and it won’t cost the earth. Do we really have to go through the courts and waste time again? The Government should listen to these reasonable demands and make the change.

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