O/T Ghurkas petition : Fri Apr 24, 2009 11:14 pm  

http://www.gurkhajustice.org.uk This is the link for the petition regrarding settlement rights for Ghurkas. I feel that some of you may wish to sign it. Appologies to anyone it may offend or annoy. Thanks

http://www.gurkhajustice.org.uk This is the link for the petition regrarding settlement rights for Ghurkas. I feel that some of you may wish to sign it. Appologies to anyone it may offend or annoy. Thanks

: Sat Apr 25, 2009 12:02 am  

This should not get thousands or hundred of thousands but millions of signitures.One of the most loyal branches of the BRITISH ARMY deserves at least the same privilages(not many) as the regular army. To all gurkhas, you`re not forgotton by all Brits, just power mad greedy politicians. AndI will not just look at Joanna Lumley now with lustful thoughts. I applaud her

: Sat Apr 25, 2009 1:09 am  

Longford>Latchford via wrote:

This should not get thousands or hundred of thousands but millions of signitures.One of the most loyal branches of the BRITISH ARMY deserves at least the same privilages(not many) as the regular army. To all gurkhas, you`re not forgotton by all Brits, just power mad greedy politicians. AndI will not just look at Joanna Lumley now with lustful thoughts. I applaud her

sorry to be pedantic.... and drunk... they're not part of the british army,, merceneries (SPELT WRONG INTOXICATED AND NUMB) employed by HRH

: Sat Apr 25, 2009 6:45 am  

Won't offend me mate, I think it's a disgrace that the government won't give all gurkas that fought for the British a passport

[Durham Giant]

: Sat Apr 25, 2009 6:58 am  

Fearnhead Cross wrote:

Won't offend me mate, I think it's a disgrace that the government won't give all gurkas that fought for the British a passport

Absolutely.

I just hope we extend it to the three million Indians and other commonwealth forces who fought for Britain during the second world war and places in like Korea, kenya and Aden as they all deserve it too.

: Sat Apr 25, 2009 8:47 am  

Whilst I agree with the aim of the petition, I did hear a good counter argument against it, which was basically:-

1. Were the Ghurkas paid for their service - yes.
2. Were the Ghurkas ever told they would get British Citizenship in exchange for service - no.
3. Are the terms and conditions of employment different for Ghurkas and servicemen in the regular British armed services - yes.

So in effect we do not "owe" the Ghurkas anything, but it just feels wrong.

Anyhow we seem to let any tom dick or harry into this country irrespective of their value and contribuion so it seems harsh to not allow Citizenship to one of the most revered, loyal, brave and tenacious people who have given greatly to the UK since 1815.

: Sat Apr 25, 2009 8:50 am  

Wires71 wrote:

Whilst I agree with the aim of the petition, I did hear a good counter argument against it, which was basically:-

1. Were the Ghurkas paid for their service - yes.
2. Were the Ghurkas ever told they would get British Citizenship in exchange for service - no.
3. Are the terms and conditions of employment different for Ghurkas and servicemen in the regular British armed services - yes.

So in effect we do not "owe" the Ghurkas anything, but it just feels wrong.

Without looking to far into the argument, it was my understanding that Ghurkas were/are basicly mercinaries and therefore are owed nothing.

: Sat Apr 25, 2009 9:02 am  

slimwire66 wrote:

sorry to be pedantic.... and drunk... they're not part of the british army,, merceneries (SPELT WRONG INTOXICATED AND NUMB) employed by HRH

You should be sorry...check your facts. They ARE part of HM Forces

: Sat Apr 25, 2009 12:19 pm  

Longford>Latchford via wrote:

You should be sorry...check your facts. They ARE part of HM Forces

rubbish check your facts, i've served in aldershot with the gurkas are mercenaries employed by the queen.

you have to come from a comonwealth nation to be able to serve in the british army!

: Sat Apr 25, 2009 12:22 pm  

Longford>Latchford via wrote:

You should be sorry...check your facts. They ARE part of HM Forces

oh by the way you said british army not hm forces!

however i'm wrong...

bit more research proves you right to a degree.

wikipedia.....

As opposed to British Army officers who received regular Queen's or King's Commissions, Gurkha officers in this system would receive the Viceroy's Commission. After Indian independence in 1947, Gurkha officers in those regiments which became part of the British Army were known as King's Gurkha Officers and later Queen's Gurkha Officers (QGOs), receiving the King's and later Queen's Gurkha Commission. This distinction implied that Gurkha officers had no authority to command troops of British regiments