Liberal Democrats Fight with Ghurkhas for Citizenship and Pensions

The Liberal Democratic Party in the United Kingdom has taken up the fight for the Ghurkhas, who are currently not allowed citizenship or full pensions in the UK. Ghurkhas who served in the British Army and retired before 1997 must apply to stay in the UK. Many have been refused and face the prospect of deportation. Additionally, if they retired before 1997, they receive only around 25% of their eligible pension.

Ghurkhas who have retired after 1997 can automatically stay in the UK and draw the full amount of their pension. However, many feel as though they are deserting their brothers by taking advantage of the opportunity. In March 2008, over 50 of the Nepalese Ghurkhas protested and handed back their Long Service and Good Conduct medals. They handed back the medals in protest at how the Ghurkhas are being treated when compared to other British soldiers who are originally from the Commonwealth.

Nick Clegg was on hand to receive the medals handed back by the disgruntled Ghurkhas. He pledged to them that he would fight to reverse what he views as a national disgrace, believing that Ghurkhas served their country with honour, bravery, success and without complaint, and should therefore be saluted for their service. His intent is to reverse this travesty. Clegg went on to tell the Ghurkhas present that he believes they deserve full benefits as if they were born in the UK, and that they should be treated equally. If you are considering buying a new hard drive, look here first.