London, March 16: Nineteen members of the UK’s All-Party Parliamentary Group on Nepal have urged the government to address long-standing concerns of former Gurkha soldiers, recognising their service and sacrifice.
The MPs, including Alex Baker, chair of the group and MP for Aldershot and Farnborough, wrote to UK Veterans Minister Alistair Carns on Monday, making the appeal.
In the letter, the MPs said that as Nepal moves ahead with a new government, this is a timely moment to reaffirm enduring ties between the two countries. They urged Minister Carns to work closely with Nepal’s new prime minister and his team to address the issues raised by former Gurkhas, especially fair recognition of their service and improved welfare.
“This is also an exciting opportunity to build a new chapter in UK–Nepal relations,” the letter states, noting that cooperation could expand beyond defence and veterans’ welfare to trade, development, and broader partnership.
The MPs also highlighted the potential for both countries to work together on shared global challenges and advance mutual interests.
“We are confident that under your leadership, the UK and Nepal can build an even stronger partnership that honours the Gurkhas’ legacy and supports their continued contribution to British society,” the letter reads.
The MPs thanked Minister Carns for his engagement with the Government of Nepal, Gurkha organisations, including the G10 group, and Gurkha veterans since taking office. They praised his leadership and commitment to supporting the Gurkha community.
The letter also noted that the UK and Nepal share a long history of cooperation based on mutual respect, with the Gurkha community forming a strong foundation of that relationship. Beyond their role in defence, Nepali communities across the UK have contributed significantly in sectors such as healthcare, education, hospitality, and retail.
Meanwhile, a tripartite meeting on Gurkha issues was held at the UK Ministry of Defence on Monday in the presence of Minister Carns.
In the first phase, from 10:45 am, Acting Ambassador to the UK Bipin Duwadi and Military Attaché Brigadier General Anup Shah held a half-hour discussion with the minister.
The talks focused on an 11-point demand submitted by former Gurkhas through the embassy.
People’s News Monitoring Service
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