Gurkha Pensions

Carol Monaghan highlighted the importance of properly valuing Gurkha veterans and their service, noting that some receive as little as £350 a month from their pension while similar UK-based veterans receive around £1,200. She criticised the Ministry of Defence for using language like 'unnecessarily' when describing protests by Gurkhas demanding equal pensions. Monaghan also called for equal treatment in terms of NHS access and immigration fees. She pointed out the injustices faced by Gurkhas and the daily impact of pension inequality, advocating for better support from the British Government.

David Linden thanked the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent North and highlighted that Gurkhas served alongside UK personnel in two world wars and conflicts across the globe, making enormous sacrifices. He pointed out the unfair treatment of Gurkhas by the British Government, leading to pension poverty despite their service. He also mentioned the three hunger-striking Gurkha veterans who refused food for 13 days until talks were agreed upon.

Fay Jones urges the Welsh Government to create a position of veterans commissioner, stating that Wales is currently the only country without such a role. Fay Jones expressed her support for the Gurkha community in her constituency, noting their significant contributions to the British Army over 200 years. She highlighted the importance of recognising the historical ties between Britain and Nepal's soldiers. Jones also mentioned that a £15 million increase was provided to the Gurkha pension scheme in 2019, resulting in an upwards of 34% increase for most Gurkhas residing in the UK.

The hon. Member's call aligns with widespread support across the UK, and it is time for this nation and Government to defend those who have defended us by providing clear commitments on pension rights.

Jamie Wallis agreed with Carol Monaghan, stating that constituencies like Bridgend should be proud of their Gurkha veterans and urged for the removal of financial barriers that prevent them from resettling in the UK.

He expressed concern about the disparity in pension benefits between Gurkhas and other soldiers, noting that it is not just a matter of assumption but reality. He cited examples where Gurkha veterans receive significantly less than their British counterparts, with one receiving £47 monthly compared to £600 for others. Shannon highlighted the bravery and service of Gurkhas over 200 years and called for dialogue to address their main concerns.

My hon. Friend's introduction is eloquent; while I generally dislike retrospection in legislation, pensions could follow the path set for residency and citizenship rights granted to Gurkhas. Suggested that when Gurkha veterans become British citizens and travel abroad to family in Nepal can be difficult and asked for clarity on what is being done with the Nepalese Government to resolve this issue.

Discussed the Gurkhas' distinguished service, supporting efforts to waive settlement fees and improve welfare support for Gurkha veterans.

Maria Miller acknowledged the contributions of Gurkha veterans and their families in Basingstoke, highlighting the importance of fairness in pension schemes for all members of the British armed forces. She called for ongoing review of current pensions arrangements and discussed ongoing consultations on fees for non-UK service personal applying to settle in the UK after military service.

Paid tribute to the Gurkhas for their long and loyal service, highlighted local support in Reading with a population of nearly 3,000 Gurkha and Nepalese people including pre-1997 pensioners living on modest incomes. Mentioned specific individuals like Warrant Officer Gyanraj Rai who has conducted hunger strikes to draw attention to the issue. He was recognised as an active campaigner on this issue, having met with Gurkha veterans in his constituency to discuss their concerns and challenges.

Matthew Pennycook agrees on the need for pension parity not only for Gurkha veterans but also for widows and other family members who are impacted by this issue.

Grateful to the Member for Stoke-on-Trent North for allowing him to intervene, Robert Buckland highlighted his honour of representing the Gurkha community in Swindon and expressed encouragement from the Minister's efforts on uplift negotiations with the Nepalese embassy since September.

Does the hon. Member not think that the Home Office is fleecing Gurkhas and other ex-service personnel by charging £2,000 per person for a process that costs only £200 to administer? Proudly representing part of the borough of Hounslow, Ruth Cadbury commends the Gurkha community's service to the country and local civic life. She mentions Councillor Bishnu Gurung, a former staff sergeant who retired in 1995 after receiving medals for long service and good conduct. She spoke about the impact of universal credit on Gurkha veterans in her constituency, emphasising their struggle with low incomes and the need for support to ensure a secure retirement.

I wholeheartedly support his call to reduce the fees. I also raise the issue of the right to vote for Gurkhas, and ask about a commitment from the Minister on preventing future hunger strikes by Gurkhas due to unresolved issues. Expressed concerns about the hunger strike outside Downing Street and supported waiving fees for non-UK service personnel applying to settle in the UK. My hon. Friend highlights the ongoing service of Gurkhas, noting that our mayor in Hounslow has chosen SSAFA as his charity for the year. Asked Matt Rodda if he agrees that inequality in payments received by Gurkhas was due to the assumption that many would return to Nepal, highlighting the need to address the reality of their lives.

He highlighted the importance of addressing pension inequality for Gurkha veterans and their challenges in living on low incomes. He criticised the Government's visa proposals, which would benefit only one in 10 veterans, and called for the waiving of fees for non-UK personnel who have served more than four years.