PENSIONS FOR RETIRED GURKHAS

Early day motion 277, tabled 22 October 2001 by Lindsay Hoyle (Labour). Signed by 78 members.

That this House notes the poor conditions in which retired Gurkha soldiers are treated with pension levels much lower compared to British ex-servicemen who served alongside them; recognises the high regard in which the Gurkhas are held and the skill and bravery which they have displayed on active service; and calls on the Government to recognise the plight that many retired Gurkhas face to bring their pension entitlements in line with those of British soldiers and to help improve the method of payment to Gurkhas who have to collect their pensions in person, often travelling for many days, carried on stretchers by relatives, so that retired Gurkhas received pensions with dignity they deserve.

Signatures by party: Labour 49, Liberal Democrat 13, Scottish National Party 5, Labour/Co-operative 4, UUP 4, Conservative 3.