Thurrock MP Jackie Doyle-Price addressed over 150 Nepalese in Grays following the conclusion of the All Party group inquiry into the outstanding issues regarding Gurkha pensions.
The Thurrock MP has chaired the yearlong inquiry, during which she has visited Nepal and held discussions with the President and Government Ministers as well as visiting Gurkha veterans in villages in Pokhara. She also led a debate in the House of Commons on all the issues surrounding Gurkha pensions. The report detailing the committee's recommendations will shortly be submitted to the Prime Minister.
Jackie said, "The Committee is concerned that there are some 7000 Gurkha veterans who currently do not receive any formal pension and it is these who are our priority. There are some 27 veterans in Thurrock who receive no pension.
It was great to meet with veterans in Thurrock and hear their stories. We had one veteran present who had served 12 years in the British army, but due to redundancy he receives no pension. We need to make sure that in line with the military covenant we do right by the Gurkha veterans who have served our army with distinction and bravery."