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Betrayal of the Gurkhas: Soldiers denied the right to live here hand medals back
Last updated at 02:37am on 21.03.08Thousands of Gurkha veterans marched on Parliament yesterday where many handed back their hard-earned military medals in protest at their "betrayal" by Britain.
The renowned Nepalese troops have a proud association with the Army dating back 200 years.
But they are angry at rules which pay younger veterans the same pensions as British-born soldiers while those who retired before 1997 receive only one sixth as much.
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Protest: Damber Ghaly gave back six medals including his MBE
They are also demanding an end to "immoral discrimination" whereby older Gurkha veterans are usually barred from settling in the UK as British citizens, despite putting their lives on the line for the Crown - and the ease with which many foreign criminals and huge numbers of illegal immigrants are able to stay in Britain.
Fifty retired Gurkhas handed back their coveted Long Service and Good Conduct Medals at Westminster to express their disgust at their treatment.
It was a hugely embarrassing spectacle for the Ministry of Defence, which relies heavily on Gurkha troops to provide manpower for operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Ministers are refusing to change the rules, however, claiming that back-dating the more generous pensions would cost hundreds of millions of pounds and would be "unaffordable".
The Army has around 3,500 Gurkha soldiers, all recruited in the hills of Nepal where 15,000 hopefuls compete for 230 places each year.
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Protest: 50 Gurkha pensioners will hand back their precious Long Service and Good Conduct medals to the Government
Famed for their curved Kukri fighting knives and terrifying ferocity in battle, the Gurkhas have served alongside British troops around the world since 1815 - including recently in the Falklands, the Gulf and Afghanistan - winning an unparalleled 26 Victoria Crosses.
Their motto translates as: "It is better to die than to live a coward."
A deal dating from India's Independence in 1947 pegged their pay and pensions to those of the Indian Army, to reflect the lower cost of living in their native Nepal compared to Britain.
The MoD altered the rules last year after growing pressure, giving serving Gurkhas the same pay, conditions and pensions as British-born troops - as well as the right to settle in Britain when they leave the Army.
The changes were back-dated, but only to include those who retired after 1997, when the Brigade of Gurkhas moved from Hong Kong to the UK.
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Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg is calling for an end to the forced deportation of retired Gurkhas
Around 22,000 surviving Gurkhas who retired before that date are furious, and claim the cut-off date is "arbitrary and unfair".
A typical Gurkha private retired after 22 years with £1,200 a year for life - a reasonable sum in Nepal, but a fraction of what their modern-day counterparts receive under the new rules.
They are also pushing for equal rights to settle in Britain.
Damber Ghaly of the Gurkhas United Front handed back six medals yesterday, including his MBE, in support of fellow Gurkhas who have fallen foul of the rules.
The 50-year-old, who served for 28 years, said: "It is very sad and emotional but I think it is the only thing we can do. I served in Kosovo and Bosnia where I was in charge of my troops.
"It is not a case of being angry but we feel very disappointed and let down."
The Gurkhas United Front's secretary Lal Prasad Gurung, who served in the Falklands, Hong Kong, Brunei, Kosovo and Bosnia, said: "We are the same as the British Army, but we are disparaged in so many ways."
Peter Carroll, a Lib Dem councillor in Folkestone, Kent, where many Gurkhas have settled near their old base, said: "The greatest test of whether people should be part of a community is if they are prepared to die for it - and these people are the bravest of the brave."
Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg told the crowd of around 2,000 veterans: "When I told people what you get from the Government in return for the years of brave, loyal, uncomplaining success, people simply don't believe it.
"It is quite simply a national disgrace. I will do everything I can to end this unacceptable and immoral discrimination."
In the Commons later Mr Clegg challenged Gordon Brown on the issue, demanding to know why Gurkhas retiring after 1997 were more "worthy" of British citizenship.
The Prime Minister said Gurkhas had served "loyally" in every part of the world and the Government had already acted to improve their pay and pension rights.
MoD sources said the Government was concerned that backdating the changes to before 1997 would set a dangerous precedent for other retrospective pension upgrades.
The Gurkhas' links with the British Army date back to 1814 when British forces fought a fierce war against Nepal, during which the adversaries developed a deep mutual respect and admiration.
Realising they were unlikely ever to defeat the hill warriors, British commanders began to recruit them instead. By the time of the Second World War the Army had no fewer than 40 Gurkha battalions, with 112,000 men.
New recruits are selected each year through a series of gruelling "Dokho Races" in which young hopefuls must carry heavy baskets over steep tracks across the Nepalese mountains.
Gurkha soldiers are mostly led by British officers, although since the 1960s the brightest Nepalese have undergone officer training at Sandhurst and risen through the ranks.
Prince Harry served with a detachment of Gurkhas during his recent deployment to southern Afghanistan.
Desevering case Britain rejects
Thousands of Gurkha veterans who fought for Britain have been denied the right to live and settle here.
And there are plenty of other deserving cases who have been torn from their families and sent back to their home countries by officials.
Yet at the same time, human rights legislation means scores of criminals and illegal immigrants have been granted the right to live here, usually at great expense to the taxpayer.
Here the Daily Mail details some of the men and women who should be allowed to live in Britain - and undeserving cases who have been told they can stay.
Madan Kumar Gurung
The 55-year-old served in the Gurkha Transport Regiment for 24 years, protecting British interests in Hong Kong.
He patrolled the buffer between Hong Kong and mainland China with live ammunition, watching for signs of trouble. He later became a training officer for the regiment, testing the driving skills of young soldiers.
Despite his decorated service, Home Office officials rejected his application for indefinite leave to remain in Britain earlier this year.
During the year-long process, Mr Gurung has been unable to work or open a bank account, living off the charity of relatives and financial aid from the Royal British Legion.
Yesterday he handed back his precious Long Service and Good Conduct medal in protest at his treatment.
He said: "I feel anger and sadness about my treatment, having served for 24 years with complete loyalty.
"Handing my medal back was one of the saddest moments of my whole life. I earned my medal through hard work and dedication.
"But the medal means nothing if I can't remain in Britain. I cannot understand why the Government is not allowing me to stay when so many others are allowed to remain."
He is appealing against the Home Office's decision, and says he will go on hunger strike if it tries to deport him.
Despite being the sole carer for her increasingly frail 80-year-old mother, Miss Phillips must leave the country in the next few weeks.
She has no intention of claiming benefits and would save the taxpayer the cost of helping look after her mother.
But because Miss Phillips was born in the U.S., moving to England when she was three, she has been refused permission to stay. She must leave by the end of April.
The American-born teenager has been ordered to leave after the authorities rejected her application for residency.
But to comply, the 15-year-old grammar school pupil will have to leave both her parents and three siblings behind - tearing her family apart.
Her American mother Lee-Ann Korpal, 37, may now have to travel to the U.S. to live with Camille because they have no living relatives there. But that will mean leaving her
British businessman husband Nick, 45, and their other children behind because he does not have a U.S. work permit.
A family of five were deported to Malawi in 2005, despite a long-running campaign to keep them in the country supported by Tory MP Ann Widdecombe.
Volunteer worker Mrs Kachepa and her four children, who had settled in the country - with the eldest daughter engaged to a solider and due to study nursing - were escorted from their home in Weymouth, Dorset, to Heathrow.
Mrs Kachepa fell foul of immigration laws after her husband, who had been working here legally, abandoned her and returned to Malawi.
The Home Office refused to allow them to remain, despite evidence that they would be in danger if they went home.
...And the undesirables we keep
Italian-born Chindamo will be allowed to stay in Britain despite his 12-year sentence for killing headmaster Philip Lawrence at his school in 1995.
An immigration tribunal last year ruled that Chindamo, 27, could not be deported when he is freed because it would breach his right to a "family life".
Chindamo, who moved to Britain when he was six, is eligible for parole this year.
In 2006, a judge was told he could not deport the rapist because Dirie had been granted sanctuary in Britain.
The drug addict and career criminal, a Somali, was given a ten-year sentence at the Old Bailey for the rape in 1990.
Judge Gerald Gordon, QC, had asked if he could recommend the 40-year-old be deported for what he described as "a truly horrendous crime".
But he was told that because Dirie had been given indefinite leave to remain in the UK, he could not be sent back to his war-torn home country unless the Home Secretary intervenes.
The asylum seeker, who falsely claimed she was a lesbian, was allowed to stay in Britain in 2006 - despite being a married mother of six.
Ajoh was not sent home to the Caribbean after a judge ruled it would violate her human rights.
In the High Court, Mr Justice Collins said her 2002 claim that she would be persecuted in Jamaica over her sexuality was "totally bogus".
But because she remarried and gave birth to three children while her case was being decided, he said it "lacked humanity" to remove her.
Afghan hijackers
In February 2000, nine Afghans hijacked a Boeing 727 and forced the crew to fly to Stansted so they could claim asylum.
After a series of legal battles costing taxpayers up to £15million, they were denied refugee status but told they could stay here on "discretionary leave" for human rights reasons.
It gave the men the right to work, housing and a full range of benefits worth tens of thousands of pounds.
Reader views (28)
Here's a sample of the latest views published.
I now live in Canada but my father will be turning over in his grave to hear what is being done to his beloved Gurkhas. My father was in Burma during WWII and his father was a Lt. Colonel in India and worked closely with Gurkhas also. What has happened to the level of decency which I believed was part of the British way of life and way of governing, obviously it has gone the way of the sterling currency.
- Chris Darling, Hubbards, Canada
I am firmly in full support of the plight of our Gurkha comrades. They are without doubt, the finest and most loyal soldiers, to our Crown, that I have ever had the privilege to serve with. I also concur with the posters above.
I have served with both the British and Canadian Armies, and will also return my CSM to the Ministry of Defence in London, should this appalling decision not be resolved, and soon.
- Terry Bittles, MoosJaw, Saskatchewan, Canada.
The Ghurka regiment have now been stationed at Shorncliffe Barracks in my town for the last 6 years and are held in very high respect by the people of Folkestone.
They have given their lives in numerous conflicts over the years and yet the government of the day treats them with no respect at all. Of course they should be allowed to settle in the UK when they retire if they so wish and the people of the UK would welcome them with open arms.
The law of this country is an ass when murderers and rapists are allowed to stay here when they have completed their prison sentences and yet their is no compasion for people who have earnt the right to stay here as model citizens.
We now have serious problems in the uk with immigration their are people that have dissapeared into the community and are running drug and prostitution rackets all payed for by the tax payers of this country, yet we refuse fine upstanding citizens to live here even though they have layed their life on the line for this country what a bunch of crap, wake up labour or you wont be forgiven in the next general election.
- Raymond Kenneth Martin, Folkestone
I have never been on a demo in my life. However, I would come to one to support OUR Ghurkas anytime on a peaceful march.
- Paul, Bromley
If this is the face of the Britain of the future it is clear that good taxpaying citizens are no longer welcome. I wonder who will pay for all the despicable individuals the government seems intent on protecting? It certainly won't be me.
Our taxes are going to pay for worthless scum adding no value to society and the rest of us are supposed to pick up the bill!
I would happily have an increase in taxes to support the Gurkhas or anyone else who contributes to the life we are privileged enough to led in the UK. It would be even better if it was taken away from the undesirables.
- Tim, London
As a National Serviceman 1957-59 I servrd in Malaya. It was with pride I administered dental treatment to these courageous Gurkha soldiers who have served Great Britain with patriotism and pride for 2 centuries throughout the world. This disgusting Labour Government know no bounds in protecting other nationalities and scumbags of the world for whom we have no direct responsibility in favour over the Gurkha's. Give them the benefits they are entitled to and thank God they were on our side in our hours of need.
- Paul Chambury, Bishops Stortford, England
This is absolutely sickening yet totally unsurprising from the disgusting, disrespectful Nu-Labour.
Decent, honest, law-abiding citizens like the Gurkhas or women with cancer are not allowed to stay in the UK yet maddeningly, murderers rapists and benefit thieves are welcomed and housed by our incompetent government!
What on earth is going on? Someone needs to do something quickly!
- Daniel Howard, London,UK
Well, bullies and cowards always attack the easy target and we have a bullying cowardly and dishonourable government.
- Judith C, London
In order to look as though they are doing something to curb immigration, the government attack those that should be the most welcome as they can do nothing about the uncontrolled flood from Europe. Therefore loyal Gurkhas and highly skilled prospective migrants from beyond the EU pay the price. Brown should be immediately deported to the Gorbals and England should govern itself with some pride and equanimity.
- Stephen, London
I am ashamed and appalled, as a Burma Star Veteran, of Gordon Brown's attitude to our heroic friends, The Gurkhas. May they all be blessed with a long life, a decent pension and the freedom to settle in UK. Regrettably, Brown and his ilk show no respect to integrity - it is not in their vocabulary.
- Mr Ian Armitage, Beckenham Kent England
I agree with all the disgusted voices here, but can anyone come up with an idea to actually DO something? This government is far too disinterested to listen to any reason.
- Martin, Victoria, Canada
We have many Gurkha soldiers in Folkestone and they are the most polite and friendliest people you could meet. We have so much respect for them in the area. I think it is disgusting that they have pledged allegiance to the Queen and served all these years for Britain and got very little in return. We are very lucky to have their support and we should not jeopardise it.
- Charlotte Bull, Folkestone
Gordon Brown spoke hollow words in parliament - Gurkhas not being allowed the right to settle in the UK is a disgrace.
- Will, London
I was reading the Daily Mail, Thursday March 20th regarding the Gurkha Veterans handing back their hard-earned military medals. I was angry, my wife cried. What else can we say or do? The paper really says it all - about letting murderers, paedophiles, fanatics and people wishing us English people harm, stay here. Yet, these unassuming, loyal people are being made second class citizens when they have fought hard for the very country who are turning them away. Why? PLEASE answer us to help us to understand OUR country.
- Chris Kendall, Bristol, UK
I think this country is a disgrace to allow murderers, rapists etc to stay in this country and not allow heroes to stay even though they do something for this country. I am not proud of calling myself English if we treat people like that. I think the conservatives and the Lib-dems should united and take it to No 10.
- Christopher Stead, Liphook, UK
I am in disgust at the latest disregard our "government" displays to true heroes and the lack of justice in our society. I cannot imagine what we look like to other countries.
I guess honour and loyalty to the country stand for nothing.
When will common sense prevail?
- Stuart Barfoot, Peterborough, England
I remember my father who fought in North Africa and Arnhem in the 2nd world war telling me how brave these fighters were. Of course today it would appear the past does not matter. I was born in 1958 and have lived free from troubles thanks to people like the Gurkha´s. I can not believe the double standards imposed, what a mean, unjust and miserable country the U.K. has become. What a national disgrace!
- David, La Nucia, Spain
Typical the scrots of Europe come and claim and yet these defenders of the crown and England are not allowed.. Shameful!
- Tony, manchester
This Government belatedly makes the right sounds, but does not put even those words into actions. This is another example of the apparent contempt that the Government has for our forces. The Gurkhas should be allowed to stay here - no question, the interpreters working our armed forces in Iraq and Afghanistan - no question.
Also what type of Government pays more compensation to a typist at the MOD with RSI, than to a soldier who has lost a limb.
Shame on you Gordon Brown and Part Time Des.
- Jeremy E, London, UK
These soldiers fought for this country.They put their lives on the line,they should have the right to settle here when their military career is over.
There are thousands of refugees and migrants coming into this country and are allowed to settle without giving anything to this country in return.
There are thousands coming into this country and claiming benefits with no loyalty to this country.
Let the Gurhkas stay and treat them with the same respect as they have treated their adopted country.
Show loyalty to them they showed this country enough
- Mick, Scunthorpe, England
Forgive my stupidity but taking your article as fact - surely if deporting the killer Chindamo would deprive him of a family life, does not the same ruling apply equally to Camille Beutler who would be forced to leave all her living relatives in the UK and return to the U.S. where she has no "Family Life"? Has the old phrase been forgotten in the UK? LET RIGHT BE DONE.
- Vic, Los Angeles, USA
The Gurrkhas need to realise you only get looked after in the UK if you have put nothing into it, as long you are a newcomer, or long term useless and born here you are OK, otherwise forget it.
Anyone would think this was a fair and tolerant country, and we couldn't have that these days could we?
- Neil Grinsell, London, UK
I am appalled that Gurkhas who have fought for the country may not be allowed to live in it. How is it possible that at a time when the UK is swamped with immigrants, many of whom are from far-flung countries and are given British citizenship (like the leader of the failed 21/7 bombers), that people that have laid their life on the line for the UK can be treated like this?
- Ab, London, UK
Any troops who fight on our behalf deserve the utmost respect and benefits irrespective of when then they signed up.
- Anthony Cowlam, NY,USA
To British people:
gushing through the trenches
face covered with blood
hunger in the stomach
yet never uttered a word
flying came the bullets
buried into his chest
never took a step back
khukuri of his, did not rest
Do or Die
he never lies
don't question my loyalty
friendship is all he gives
From a Gurkha.
- Gurkha, aldershot
Am I the only person to recognise that anything associated with the history or traditions of our country are to be discarded? The Gurkha's are just another item on the list.
The actions of our leaders do nothing except continually bring shame on this nation.
- Les, Essex, UK
These guys were, and are, some of the bravest fighters. They should be given UK domicile if they want it, a proper pension and respect - there are not that many of them, especially compared with some of our latest truly awful incomers. The attitude of the government and MOD is totally shoddy.
- Robin, Brentford, UK
This is yet another example of the government tossing people aside when they are no longer useful. I look forward to Gordon Brown joining them on the scrapheap.
- Paul, London
