ROGER WILLIAMS MP ATTENDS GURKHA RALLY IN WESTMINSTER

9.16.28am GMT Mon 24th Nov 2008

Roger attending the Gurkha rally in Westminster to call for justice for Gurkhas who have served in the British Army

Roger Williams, MP for Brecon and Radnorshire, has today attended a Gurkha rally in Westminster to call for justice for Gurkhas who have served in the British Army.

Mr Williams said:

"For many years the Gurkhas have served alongside British service personnel in conflict zones across the world.

"But those Gurkhas who retired from service prior to 1997 are not entitled to the same settlement rights as those who retired after this date.

"Many Gurkhas will have been injured, sometimes fatally, while on duty.

"That someone can serve in the British Army only to find out that they and their family are not entitled to the same rights as British soldiers is a disgrace and I wanted to show my support for this cause by attending the rally today.

"Brecon is home to the Mandalay Company and has a large Gurkha community who are well respected and, along with their families, welcomed into our communities.

NOTES:

The attached pictures show:

Roger Williams with Joanna Lumley, leader of the Gurkha Justice Campaign.

Roger Williams with Ex Sgt Surendra Kumar Rai and Ex Cpl Bhishma Rai.