Nepali Embassy in London holds discussions with UK government on Gorkha veteran issue
LONDON:- Important discussions regarding various issues concerning Gurkha veterans have taken place at the Nepali Embassy in the UK. Bipin Duwadi, Nepal’s Chargé d’Affaires to the UK, welcomed Calvin Bailey (MP)—the UK Minister for Veterans and People—and Alex Baker (MP)—Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Nepal—to the embassy.
During the meeting, discussions were held regarding the various concerns of Gurkha veterans residing in the UK and those who served in the British Army, as well as the demands they have long been raising. Particular emphasis was placed on the need for a fair, practical, and clear solution—with a defined timeframe—to address the issues faced by Gurkha veterans in the long term.
The informal meeting and dialogue between UK Defence Minister Calvin Bailey and representatives of the Gurkha community have been viewed as a significant opportunity. During the meeting, discussions were held on how to permanently address the issues that the Gurkha community has long been raising.
It is reported that the discussions focused not only on resolving immediate issues but also on identifying a path toward sustainable solutions to eliminate the inequalities and uncertainties that could recur in the future.
The issues concerning the rights, benefits, and equality of Gurkha veterans are significant and directly linked to the relationship between the UK and Nepal. There have been persistent calls to address the legitimate demands of Gurkha soldiers while duly recognizing the long-standing contributions they have made to the British Army.
In this context, the recent meeting is viewed as a positive step towards continuing the dialogue between the concerned parties and reaching practical conclusions on outstanding issues.
The presence of Alex Baker, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Nepal, signals that the Gurkha issue remains a subject of ongoing discussion within the British Parliament and at the political level. Various political parties and Members of Parliament have long shown interest in and extended their support for the issues concerning the Gurkha community.
