Mar 9 2007
The government has confirmed that soldiers serving in the brigade of Gurkhas will be entitled to the same pension benefits as other members of the British army.
Defence minister Derek Twigg announced that men recruited to the British Armed Forces from their home country of Nepal would now be entitled to receive pension rights equivalent to their UK-born counterparts.
Gurkha troops, who are renowned for their courage and bravery, have fought with the British army since the 19th century and have won 13 Victoria crosses and a wide array of other military decorations.
However, they have been campaigning for many years to receive the same retirement rights as fellow soldiers.
Government spokesman Mr Twigg said of the decision: "This is the right thing to do. As a government, we have continually sought to ensure equality amongst our workforce here in the UK and I'm delighted to announce it today."
In addition, the minister also announced that Nepalese women will now be able to join the Gurkha regiments for the first time in its brigade history.
