"Are there no British lawyers of conscience willing to take the case of the Gurkhas to the European Human Rights tribunals, pro bono? Surely surely there must be at least one? C. Alexander Brown, Ottawa, , Canada

Well said Sir,
There is of course, Mrs. Cherie Blair, who makes we are told £500,000 on Civil and Human Rights cases. A "Pro bono" support from her would be excellent but methinks she would never do it! I understand T. Bliar is also a lawyer. What about him! Same expectancy level I am afraid.

As to Brown! He is incapable of any decency and his "so what" colleagues could not care less either!

M. Cawdery, Portadown, Co. UK, EU (now)

This is one of the most disgraceful and shameful acts of any British government I can remember. The medals handed back will deeply shame the Queen, I am sure. They certainly deeply shame me and the vast majority of people whom the Gurkhas have fought with utmost distinction and breavery to protect.

These returned medals burn a hole in soul of Britain as a nation which, according to Brown, claims 'a sense of fairness' as one of its over-riding virtues.

In my view these medals should be formally handed back by The Queen as Head of State to whom they were awarded, together with British passports for themselves and their loved ones, at an official ceremony.

Nothing less will come close to repairing the damage and undoing the shame.

Quite incredible, the whole sorry episode!

Edwin, Bucharest,

The article makes a historical error. The first Gurkha Regiments were formed in 1815 but there were no "Victorians" in 1815. Her Late Majesty would not be born for another 4 years and another 22 years till she became Queen. Poor mad George III was on the throne.

To the more important point shame on Labor and shame on the Tories for not speaking out about this. To a self-profesed Anglophile someone across the pond, the Gurkhas are as British as tea time and the monarchy.

Michael, Sacramento, USA, CA

In this Country Dangerous Criminals are better off than the Loyal ,honest,and brave Gurkhas.If Gordon Brown don't understand than who will?

Bidhan Gurung, Farnborough, U.K.

The British Government shoots itself in the foot once again.

trevor, stirling,

In the line of duty Gurkhas never hide behind the discriminatry treatement they get, so Mr Primeminister when it comes to treating them equally do not hide behind discharge date of pre and post 1 July 1997, a date of convenience.

Pakhrin B, folkestone,

Hi im an unqualified immigrant who speaks no english sucks on tax funds and gets free healthcare....welcome to britain sir.....Hi im a hero from the ghurka regiment....unlucky son you dont fit the bill....sort it out brown

sam, ttt,

For more than 200 years these brave warriors have fought for the British Crown in almost all the wars that Britain has engaged. They have been exemplary in each and every campaign and are truly great warriors. They deserve better! Shame on the British establishment for failing to recognise their contributions in equal terms and for not giving them the right to settle in the UK.

Nathan, Hong Kong,

I believe that labour governments have always had dislike of the armed forces, a hatred of anything that is rated as excellent, elitist or professional. I do not believe it is incompetence more a determined campaign to keep the forces in their place, and yes even whilst these young men and women from our armed services are at war. Not one member of this cabinet has experienced the comradeship we had within our regimental families. Nemo me impune Lacessit

Wills, Soton, UK

Brown---Ayo Gurkhali!

Shame on you Brown and the whole British Government,
that you would do this to the bravest of the brave.


David B. Monier-Williams Scottsdale AZ

David B. Monier-Williams, Scottsdale, US Arizona

This is got to be one of the most disgusting and deplorable actions of any political party. There are no words to describe the injustice that is going on here, the government should be bending over backwards to right this wrong. There should not be any red tape it should just be done no questions asked and I do not think a single true Brit would disagree.

Steven Martin, London, England

Gurkhas are not begging the alms with the British govt.We are demanding our rights.It is almost 200 years the Gurkhas are still struggling hard to find the 'status' in the British army.
And it is very unfortunate and sad to say that British govt is providing all the facilities, benifits and shelters to those who are staying illegally and creating all kinds of problems in this country.But not to the Gurkhas who have sacrifice the cream part of their lives with untained loyalty & honesty for almost 200 years to the 'British Crown'.

Yam Gurung (rtd) British army, Watford, UK

My late mothers view ; The more you do for people the less they think of you !

Wills, Soton, UK

I would expect all parties to support this plea from the Ghurkas. Let's hear it not just from the LibDems but also from the Conservatives, the Nationalists and those in the Labour Party still with consciences. And if not, we will draw the obvious conclusion.

Noel Thompson, Tavistock,

Deeply shameful. Tens of thousands dead and wounded in the defence of this country. Gurkha regiments have earned 26 victoria crosses and countless other awards for acts of bravery and selflessness. The disloyal actions of governments from both parties show an utterly despicable lack of respect for proud people and loyal friends of this country. I hope they will come to realise that it takes a long time to wash away the stench of treachary.

tony, Hove,

Why should we expect the Governmentr and the MOD in particular to treat the Gurkas any better or the same as they treat any other ex-soldiers, namely with cynical indifference and ungratitude, just read the appaling statistics of homelessness, alcohol addiction, lack of psycological counciling, that bear witness to the true and continuing sacrifice made by these brave wen and women on our behalf; it's national disgrace.

Andrew Wakeling, London, uk

The Bloody Sunday Inquiry in Ireland has cost the taxpayer over £820m and would have gone a long way towards paying for the Gurkha's pension entitlement. What has it achieved? Apart from funding the legal services.

Why was the date in 1997 set as the 'cut-off ' point for the people who swore allegiance to this Queen and country? They were prepared to lay down their lives for us and that's the way we treat them, or should I say the Politicians treat them?
The politicians, of whatever party, make certain their rights are safeguarded and their expenses protected.

What has happened to the old British values? Come on Britain surely we can do better than this?????????????

Aan Edgar, Bristol, UK

I am proud to say I have worked with many Nepalese Gurkhas and continue to be honoured that they would choose to serve in the British Army and would want to remain in the UK as citizens. They are dedicated, loyal, honest and hard working. Maybe its because we have too much to learn from them that we seek to exclude them while encouraging other less energetic neighbours to grace our soil. I believe if you took a poll of those who thought the gurkhas should have their demands met you would find few Englishmen or women who would say no.

Daniel Anderson, Peterborough, UK

Are there no British lawyers of conscience willing to take the case of the Gurkhas to the European Human Rights tribunals, pro bono? Surely surely there must be at least one? Personally I would be willing to make a small contribution towards covering costs.

C. Alexander Brown, Ottawa, , Canada

The millions of people sponging off the state aren't immigrants, Dave of Staffs. They're the natives.

The immigrants are the ones who are working to pay the taxes which support the spongers. Meanwhile the Gurkhas are the ones who fought to keep the spongers safe.

Still, let's not let the facts get in the way of our xenophobia, hey ?

Bob, Liverpool, UK

My Wife and I are disgusted in the way this Goverment are treating the Gurkha people. These soldiers made a positive contribution to this country in times of conflict, and now we treat them in this insulting way. My father fought alongside the Gurkha soldiers during the second world war, and often related their bravery, and how they saved countless British soldiers lives.
Perhaps they should adopt the tactic of some of the imigrants of this country, i.e sponge off the state, and attack "Britishness". I'm sure then we would then make them most welcome!

dave, staffordshire, england