Hundreds of Nepalese Gurkha soldiers who fought for Britain protested on Wednesday outside the Houses of Parliament in London, demanding higher pensions and the right to stay in the country they served.
Fifty retired Gurkhas handed back their military medals to protest what they called “immoral discrimination” that means they receive lower pensions than their British counterparts.
Damber Ghaly, who organised the protest, handed back his six medals, including his Member of the British Empire medal, or MBE, which was presented to him by Queen Elizabeth II.
“It is very sad and emotional, but I think it is the only thing we can do. I served in Kosovo and Bosnia where I was in charge of my troops,” Ghaly said. “It is not a case of being angry, but we feel very disappointed and let down.”
The veterans, many dressed in green blazers and green military hats, placed their medals into a box, which they handed to opposition Liberal Democrats party leader Nick Clegg. He said he would hand the medals to Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
“When I told people what you get from the government in return for the years of brave, loyal, uncomplaining success, people simply don’t believe it,” Clegg told the protesters.
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