Former British Gurkhas shift strategy, present 11-point affordable solution after 35 years

After 35 years of campaigning for equal pensions, former British Gurkha soldiers have shifted their strategy, dropping the demand for full pension equality and instead presenting an 11-point package focused on affordable and proportional solutions.

Coordinated through Nepal's Acting Ambassador to the UK Bipin Duwadi, Gurkha organisations formed the G-Ten group and submitted the demands to the UK Ministry of Defence. Key points include proportional pension recognition for those with 15 or more years of service, a one-time tax-free payment to compensate for historically lower allowances, and corrective measures in the Gurkha Offer to Transfer scheme.

The current demands closely mirror a technical committee report produced about eight years ago. Initial talks with the MOD have begun, though previous governments of all parties have consistently stated that full pension equality is not feasible.

Veterans’ groups will be watching whether this package restarts substantive negotiation or remains stalled in technical discussion.