Gurkhas Debate

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Department: Ministry of Defence
Tuesday 24th February 2015

(9 years, 9 months ago)

Lords Chamber
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Lord Astor of Hever Portrait Lord Astor of Hever
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I agree wholeheartedly with the noble Baroness and I pay tribute to her work as an ambassador for the Gurkha Welfare Trust. Gurkhas within the British Army are proof that different religious and ethnic groups can work together in defence of a set of common values based on the mutual trust and respect that has grown over the last 200 years and I am immensely proud to have served alongside Gurkhas in Malaysia and Hong Kong.

Lord Rosser Portrait Lord Rosser (Lab)
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We on this side also recognise the unique contribution made by the Gurkhas over the last 200 years. Do the Government agree that the best way to mark the 200th anniversary would be to ensure a clear and continuing role for the Gurkhas in Army 2020? Can the Minister say whether that is the Government’s objective and what that role might be?

Lord Astor of Hever Portrait Lord Astor of Hever
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My Lords, of course we are very keen on a proper role for the Gurkhas, and we feel that they have a proper role at the moment.