GURKHA PENSIONS AND PUBLIC EXPENDITURE

Early day motion 434, tabled 10 December 2009 by George Howarth (Labour). Signed by 53 members.

That this House welcomes the settlement rights given to former Gurkha soldiers; notes that one serious inequality remains, as Gurkhas who served prior to 1997 still do not receive a fair and equal pension compared to their fellow Commonwealth soldiers; acknowledges that pre-1997 Gurkhas currently receive a pension worth approximately £2,150, which falls below the poverty line in the UK; understands that this has disillusioned many veterans, who now believe that UK residency is the only option to receive fair treatment financially; recognises that most Gurkhas in this minority would rather remain in Nepal; further notes that these veterans are entitled to claim up to £9,000 per annum in pension tax credit if they settle in the UK; further notes that this figure increases to approximately £20,000 if other welfare benefits are included; acknowledges that the Gurkhas are not demanding the backdating of any pension payments, but are calling for equal future pensions of approximately £5,000 per year; further acknowledges that the Ministry of Defence estimates the cost of future equal monthly pensions would cost £75 million a year compared to between £300 and £400 million a year to pay for the settlement policy in terms of welfare and healthcare provision on the basis that 10,000 to 15,000 applicants plus their dependants settle in the UK; understands that an equal and fair pension would create considerable cost saving for the government; and calls on the Government to consider giving all pre-1997 Gurkhas an equal and fair pension settlement.

Signatures by party: Labour 32, Liberal Democrat 12, Independent 4, Conservative 3, DUP 2.