Crowds of Nepalese Gurkhas have descended on the British Parliament to watch 50 veterans hand back their medals in protest at their "immoral discrimination".
The 50 retired Gurkhas gave their Long Service and Good Conduct medals to Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg, who will pass them on to Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
Nepalese Gurkhas have been part of the British Army for nearly 200 years, but they are unhappy that they receive lower pensions than UK soldiers.
advertisement
If they retired before 1997, Gurkhas have no automatic right to remain in the UK.
Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg told the crowds: "When I tell 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 am simply saying you should be treated with the respect and honour you deserve as brave soldiers.
"I will do everything I can to end this unacceptable and immoral discrimination."
He said he would raise the matter personally with the Prime Minister.
Damber Ghaly, chief co-ordinator of the protest for the Gurkhas United Front, handed back his six medals, including his MBE.
The 50-year-old who served in the Gurkhas 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."
He estimated more than 2,000 Gurkhas were protesting.
If you liked this article and would like to share it with others on the web who might be searching for good content we've made it easy for you to do it.
At the bottom of all articles, you'll see links to six sites. These sites - commonly called 'social bookmark' or 'social news' sites - have large communities of web users who share and rate interesting, useful and fun things on the web.
Clicking the links will automatically add the address of the story you are reading to one of these sites, letting you share it with others. Each site will ask you to register to share stories. Registration is free and once a member, you can store, recommend and search for stories that interest you.
Print
Email this
Comment
