Letter to Krishna Bahadur Rai, Chief Coordinator, Gurkha Satyagraha

I understand that Satyagraha have been campaigning on behalf of Gurkha veterans for many years and that you have been involved in both the 2014 All Party Parliamentary Group and the 2017 Technical Committee. I am disappointed that your organisation has not accepted the conclusion of the Technical Committee. I am aware that my predecessor, Mr Johnny Mercer MP, responded to a previous letter from you on 25 February 2020 at which point he provided you with the government position on the matter. I will not reiterate his response as the position has not changed.

As you will be aware, following the announcement of an increase to Gurkha pensions at the conclusion of the Technical Committee in 2019, a public consultation with Gurkha veterans has recently been conducted. This consultation sought the views of the Gurkha Pension Scheme members on how the Gurkha pension rates should be increased. The consultation period has now ended and the responses have been reviewed. A decision on implementation of the pension increase will be made in the near future.

I have the utmost respect for Gurkhas and I understand your whole-hearted support of the rights of Gurkha veterans. However, I am disappointed in the continued advocation of methods such as hunger strikes, which do your organisation no service. I strongly advise you to accept the outcome of the dialogue which has taken place.