Gurkhas

Debate between Lord Astor of Hever and Baroness Heyhoe Flint

Tuesday 24th February 2015 Lords Chamber

[Lord Astor of Hever]

My Lords, Gurkhas of working age who have been discharged since the 1990s and who are resident in the UK have integrated well and contribute to society. On the question of pensions, since 1 April 2007, any Gurkha joining the British Army receives the same pay and pension benefits as their counterparts in the wider Army. Gurkhas serve on the same basis as the remainder of the Army, with some very small exceptions designed to satisfy the Government of Nepal.

[Baroness Heyhoe Flint (Con)]

My Lords, the Minister may be wondering why I am involved with the Gurkhas but does he have any plans to involve Joanna Lumley in the activities? She did a magnificent job with her Gurkha Justice Campaign, which was ably funded and supported by a person for whom I worked for 45 years, Sir Jack Hayward, who, sadly, died in January. I am sure that her involvement would be greatly appreciated by all Gurkhas and would be a tribute to the memory of Sir Jack Hayward.

[Lord Astor of Hever]

I have listened very carefully to what my noble friend has said but I do not have any plans to meet Joanna Lumley.